From BBB Serving Greater Cleveland
Summertime is home improvement time. It’s also prime season for scammers looking for a quick buck from trusting homeowners, according to the folks at the Cleveland office of the Better Business Bureau.
A Berea man reported to BBB that he and his elderly mother were targeted by a deceptive sealcoating business. He told BBB that International Roofing and Blacktopping knocked on their door in May. A group of men in a black Chevrolet truck with temporary Ohio tags and “Internationa (sic) Roofing and Blacktopping” signage told his mother that her driveway looked like it needed to be sealed and offered to do it for $500.
The consumer paid $420 in cash up front and the workers started the job. Shortly after they started, the workers increased the price to $1300 because they claimed the driveway was in worse shape than they thought. The company, with reportedly “20 years of experience,” attempted to renegotiate the price from $1,300 to $1,000, then to $750 and finally just left the worksite. The consumers called the police and Better Business Bureau®.
International Roofing and Blacktopping falsely claims to be BBB Accredited, its email address is invalid and attempts to call the company’s 1-800 number have all gone straight to a “user busy” message.
It’s an all-too-familiar story this time of year.
To avoid becoming a victim of a fly-by-night contractor, BBB® advises:
- Don’t Make Decisions at Your Doorstep – Research businesses carefully. Door-to-door solicitors are often con artists who try to get high prices for shoddy work.
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Research Companies Before Making a Decision – Ask for references from past customers and check out the company’s business profile at bbb.org. Request a physical company address as well as contact information and names of managerial staff.
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Pay By Credit When Possible – Cash payment is the preferred option used by fly-by-night scammers. When possible, use a method of payment such as a credit card, which provides recourse if a project goes sideways.
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Don’t Fall For Deceptive Sales Tactics – Scammers typically use high-pressure sales tactics or report you can get a great deal because they were already working in the area and had leftover supplies. Be wary of work crews who use these approaches or offer a limited time special on jobs.
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Get Contracts and Receipts – Keep a written record of quotes and payments in case these are disputed in the future or the company tries to renegotiate prices after work has started.
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Check Licensing and Local Laws – Many cities require a solicitor’s permit if a contractor is soliciting work door-to-door. Check with your local police department to see if the company is registered. Other municipalities may require contractors working in the city to register with a zoning department first. Check local laws, licensing and permit requirements.
