It’s that time of year when door-to-door solicitation peaks. What would you do if a stranger knocked on your door …with a deal hard to resist? The State of Georgia see abuses every year. Some complaints allege high-pressure and misleading sales tactics; others allege that sales reps took their check and the products did not arrive.
Offers of homeowners having their windows replaced, roof repaired, home improvement deals, or magazine sales …ready for purchase without having to leave your home. Don’t be scammed! The typical scenario is so-called contractors show up claiming they have materials left over from a nearby job and offer to seal your driveway for a rock-bottom price. After you pay up front, the workers may slather some substance, such as crude motor oil, on your driveway, or claim they’ll return later that day and run off without doing any work at all. In the best case, you are out some money, in the worst case; you’re cleaning up the mess and out the money.
Home Improvement Scam: Roofing, siding, paint, concrete repair. You name it – and they claim they can do it. But hold on – don’t take the bait if a door-to-door rep claims “I was working in your neighborhood and …” “We have extra materials and it looks like you need …” “I have contracts to guarantee my work but forgot them …” or “I’m available today for a special price to …” Since there are several versions of the home improvement scam and some scammers have claimed they are working for well known stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s – buyers need to beware and check out the story and the company before they do business. Convenience does not always translate into a good opportunity.
Signs of Fly-by-Night Contractors:
• Overly aggressive sales pitch and the urgency to start immediately
• Demand for immediate down payment, often cash only
• No written bid or contract
• Inability or reluctance to offer references
• No physical address or only a PO Box
• Out of state license plates or out of state phone number
• Local phone only goes to voicemail or answering service
What to do?
1. Do your research. Ask the salesmen for written material about the company and let them know you are going to research them first before doing business with them.
2. Check the company’s Reliability Report with the Better Business Bureau.
3. Ask to see the company’s state license—get the number and verify it online with the State of Georgia.
4. Don’t fall for empty promises. The seller might claim to offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, but many complainants had no way to contact the seller if they were dissatisfied. Make sure you have valid contact information should you need a repair.
5. Never pay with cash. When paying by check or credit card you have at least some way to protect your money—such as canceling the check or reporting it as fraud to your credit card company. If you pay with cash and are dissatisfied, you’re at the mercy of the salesman.
6. Know your rights. If you decide to make a purchase, ask for a dated cancellation form and a dated receipt. Note that the Federal Trade Commission Cooling-off Rule gives you three business days to cancel a purchase made from your home. Saturday is considered a business day.
7. Report the bad guys. If you feel that you were ripped off by a door-to-door salesmen, file a complaint with your Better Business Bureau at bbb.org. Also report any unlicensed salesmen to the appropriate state, city or county authorities.
The Federal Trade Commission has a publication that lists ways to protect your family, home and finances. Hiring a Contractor Pdf.
Aladdin Insulation and Home Improvements is a Georgia Licensed Residential Contractor. We also carry a Business License and Proof of workmens Compensationa nd Liability Insurance. For free no hassle evaluations and estimates check us out at aladdinhomepros.com or 678-528-7115.