Fighting Fraud
By Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland
Spring in Northeast Ohio is beautiful. As the snow melts and the crocuses pop up in Public Square, many of us start looking at our homes with a fresh set of eyes. Whether it’s a new roof after a rough winter or some fresh landscaping to boost that curb appeal, spring is the season for renewal.
However, at Better Business Bureau® (BBB®), we also know that spring is the peak season for “door-to-door” scammers. They know you’re looking to get work done, and they’re hoping you’ll make a quick decision.
Here is how you can stay empowered, educated, and protected this season.
- The “Leftover Materials” Pitch: A contractor knocks on your door claiming they have extra supplies from a nearby job (like a driveway or roof) and offers a “huge discount.” In reality, pros calculate materials precisely; this is usually a setup for shoddy work or a disappearing act.
- Post-Storm “Inspectors”: After Cleveland’s spring wind or rain storms, “storm chasers” may offer free damage inspections to convince you to file unnecessary insurance claims.
- Door-to-Door Utility “Audits”: Solicitors may claim to be from local utility companies to “lower your rate,” but they often just want to steal your account number to switch your provider without consent.
To be a savvy homeowner, BBB recommends following these three golden rules:
- Check BBB.org Before Agreeing: Before accepting a quote, look up the company’s letter grade, read reviews from neighbors, and see how they handle complaints to understand who you are inviting onto your property.
- Follow the “Rule of Thirds” for Payments: Never pay the full amount upfront. Instead, pay one-third to start the work, one-third midway through, and the final third only once the job is completed to your satisfaction.
- Get it in Writing: While a handshake is a nice gesture, a written contract is essential. Ensure it includes specific start and end dates, exact materials to be used, and a clear final price.
If you’ve been the victim of a scam on social media, 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].
