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Tip-Offs to Rip-Offs

From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Consumer Protection Division, here are some tip-offs that a contractor is no bargain:

A less than reputable contractor:

  • Solicits door-to-door
  • Offers you discounts for finding other customers
  • Just happens to have materials left over from a previous job
  • Only accepts cash payments
  • Asks you to get the required building permits
  • Does not list a business number in the local telephone directory
  • Tells you your job will be a "demonstration"
  • Pressures you for an immediate decision
  • Offers exceptionally long guarantees
  • Asks you to pay for the entire job up-front
  • Suggests that you borrow money from a lender the contractor knows. If you're not careful, you could lose your home through a home improvement loan scam.
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