Contractor rip-offs to unsuspecting homeowners are still happening today and it probably won't end or go away. Despite homeowners who take precautions against being victims of fraudulent services by these unscrupulous contractors, many still fall victims to scams.
The dirty deeds not only reduce the victims' bank account savings, but strip their dignity as well. As always, the sweet talking and convincing scam artist is enough to make everything believable and that the project is worth doing. But in fact the whole pitch is nothing more than a "perfect sell" for the con artist to make the fast buck without early detection. For the duped, they would prefer to remain silent than risk being exposed of misfortune.
As victims of the scams confided their stories to me, I can't help, but sympathize with them. But at the same token, these homeowners replied that the con artists were so convincing that it was difficult to tell between what was real and false. Since these artists are great actors who prey on the vulnerable, it is wise to be wary and cautious when these types of situations are encountered.
However, not all contractors take advantage of "opportunities". In fact, the majority of contractors are honest working people who still reach out and help out and as well, recommend to homeowners the overall cost of project without any hidden agendas.
But how does one avoid such trickery of scam artists? The answer is neither easy nor simple, but there are telltale signs for the homeowner to spot as contractors bargain for deals:
- Contractor is too friendly, too nice and too helpful at the start.
- Contractor brags about recent work projects.
- Contractor wants to show credentials.
- Contractor asks for down payment or advances up front.
- Contractor fails to show up as promised.
- Contractor makes too many excuses.
- Contractor subcontracts your project to other contractors.
- Contractor creates more work of your project.
- Specify what is required of the contractor's obligations.
- Tell contractor that payment will only be issued in installments to quality work done and no exceptions.
- Keep track of contractor's workmanship during project.
- Clean up after project is done.
- Ask to see contractor's business license and trade qualifications.
- Ask contractor's liability insurance policy.
- Withhold payment, should contractor fail to complete tasks.
- Obtain building permit.
- Project to meet building code.
- Homeowner has right to terminate and fire contractor who fails to meet obligations
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