Summer Scam Season Is Here Again

Sheldon, Iowa — With summertime come the annual home repair and asphalt paving scams. Sheldon Police Chief Lyle Bolkema says many of the “repair crews” who travel from town to town prey on individuals through illegal and fraudulent practices.

According to the Iowa Attorney General’s website, home improvement problems were among the most common complaints received by the Consumer Protection Division last year, and the number of formal complaints increased 28 percent over the previous year.

Homeowners must be prepared for contractors’ pitches and promises and know how to respond. Attorney General’s Office investigators hear many of the same stories from cheated consumers. They advise you to listen for these classic strategies from home-improvement contractors that can leave you without a project and without your money:

When they say, “I was just in the neighborhood and I saw you need work done. I have some materials left over from another job and I will give them to you at a discount.” What they really mean is, “I’m hoping I can charm you, make you feel sorry for me, make you think you are getting a great deal, or stay so long you will sign a contract just to get rid of me.”

The Iowa Attorney General’s Office says you should never hire a contractor without doing research first and this is doubly true for a contractor who solicits by knocking on your door.  These contractors may be selling siding, windows, chimney repair, tree removal, yard services, asphalt, or just about anything else.  How do you know you really need that work done or that the price the contractor is quoting you is competitive? How would you find him again if he does the job poorly or uses inferior products, like asphalt millings that will crack like gravel over time?  A contractor driving an unmarked truck with an out-of-state license plate is a red flag because the contractor may be difficult to locate again if problems arise.

Never sign a home improvement contract (or any contract) on impulse, says the AG’s Office.  If you become suspicious of a solicitor, ask them to leave; if they refuse or you feel fearful, call the police immediately. A person is committing the crime of “trespass” when they come on to your property without permission, or refuse to leave your property when asked, according to authorities.

When they say, “I can give you a big discount, but this price is only good today.” What they really mean is, “I hoping to pressure you into this sale before you can discuss it with your family or get bids from other contractors.”

The Attorney General’s Office advises you to always get two or three bids, in writing, for any home improvement project.  Don’t be pressured into a “today-only” sale price. Reputable contractors will honor their quoted price for more than a day. If it’s good only for today, walk away.

Contractors often promise discounts for customers who are seniors or veterans, or will pay in cash, allow the contractor to place a sign in their yard and be a “display home,” or provide the contractor with referrals to family and friends. Homeowners shouldn’t be swayed by promises of special pricing and discounts, but instead shop around for the best bottom-line price and terms.

Don’t let a storm-chasing contractor scare you into signing a contract before you are ready by claiming that he is getting a lot of jobs in your neighborhood and that his schedule might get filled up. Reputable contractors do have busy schedules, but it’s worth waiting to know you’ve received a fair price and have a clear, written contract between you and the contractor.

Generally, the best piece of advise for not being scammed by some unscrupulous operator is to do business strictly with reputable LOCAL companies.

For more information on these home-repair type scams, and how you can avoid being a victim, visit the Iowa Attorney General’s website.

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