Common contractor scams and how to avoid them

Most contractors are honest. The few who aren't tend to use the same handful of tactics, especially after storms and with older homeowners. Knowing the patterns is the best protection.

Patterns to know

• The door-knock: "We were working nearby and have leftover materials." Real contractors rarely sell this way.
• The big deposit: they ask for most of the money up front, then delay or disappear.
• The surprise damage: once on your roof or under your house, they "find" an urgent problem. Ask for photos and get a second opinion.
• Pressure and urgency: a price good only if you sign today.
• Cash only, or a request to pay someone other than the company on the contract.
• Asking you to get the permit yourself, which can make you responsible for their work.

Protect yourself

1. Verify the license with your state board and ask for a certificate of insurance.
2. Get at least two written quotes for larger jobs.
3. Use a written contract and never sign one with blank spaces.
4. Pay by check or card, never all in cash, and tie payments to finished work.
5. Know your right to cancel: the FTC's Cooling-Off Rule usually gives you three business days to cancel many sales made at your home, and some states add more protection.

If it happens

Report it to your state contractor licensing board, your state attorney general's consumer protection office and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Keep every receipt, text and photo.

General information, not legal, financial or construction advice. Prices and rules vary by state and city. Affordable Home Assistance doesn't take referral fees or payments from any contractor, lender or brand.