Fighting Fraud
By Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland
This is the perfect season for enjoying the sunshine, tending the garden and tackling those home updates we’ve been putting off all winter. Whether it’s refreshing the driveway, cleaning out the gutters or sprucing up the backyard, taking care of our homes is a wonderful way to protect our independence and our investments. Unfortunately, the warmer weather also brings a less welcome seasonal visitor to our neighborhoods: fly-by-night scammers.
At BBB Cleveland, we want you to enjoy a worry-free summer. By recognizing a few red flags, you can confidently hire the right help and keep your hard-earned money safe.
Three Summer Scams to Watch For:
● The Driveway Paving “Leftover” Scam: A worker knocks on your door claiming they just finished a paving job down the street and have “leftover asphalt” they can use to seal your driveway for a massive discount. In reality, they use a cheap, oily substance that washes away with the first rain, or they take your cash and never return.
● The “Free” Roof & Gutter Inspection: After a summer storm, “storm chasers” often flood neighborhoods looking for roof damage. They may offer a free inspection, only to intentionally damage your roof while up there, or pressure you into signing a vague contract before you can even call your insurance company.
● The Vanishing Landscaper: A pleasant individual offers a great deal on a full summer of lawn care or tree trimming if you pay a large “retainer” upfront. Once the cash changes hands, they mow your lawn once (if at all), vanish, and stop answering your calls.
BBB’s Checklist for Contracting Securely
You should never feel rushed or pressured into deciding on your home. If a contractor is legitimate, they will happily let you take your time. Before you hire anyone this summer, use this quick checklist:
1. Get Three Written Bids: Never accept the first offer that walks up your driveway. Ask at least three different companies for detailed, written estimates to ensure you are paying a fair market price.
2. Say No to Cash-Only Deals: Always pay with a credit card or a check made out to a business entity, never an individual’s name. Credit cards offer fraud protection that allows you to dispute the charges if the contractor disappears.
3. Stagger Your Payments: A reputable contractor will never ask for 100% of the money up front. A standard down payment is usually between 10% and 30%. Tie the remaining payments to specific milestones (e.g., one-third at the start, one-third halfway through, and the final third only when the job is completed to your satisfaction).
4. Verify Licenses & Insurance: Make sure the contractor is licensed in your local area and carries active liability insurance. If an unlicensed worker gets hurt on your property, you could be held liable.If you’ve been the victim of a scam, report it to the BBB Scam Tracker. Your report helps us build consumer awareness and reduce the effectiveness of scammers’ favorite tactics. Have additional questions? Reach out to your BBB at 216.241.7678 or [email protected].
