After a hurricane, homeowners face the daunting task of rebuilding. Sadly, some unscrupulous contractors see this as a chance to cash in. They’ll use sneaky tricks to drain your wallet while leaving your home in shambles. But don’t worry! We’ve got your back with this guide to 15 common scams.
The Vanishing Down Payment
Be cautious of contractors who insist on receiving large upfront payments. They may justify it by saying it’s for materials but then vanish with your money. Legitimate professionals usually request 10–30% down payment, not half of the total job cost. If they push for more, it’s a warning sign.
The Roof Ripoff
Some scammers offer “free” roof inspections and then claim significant damage. They’ll show you pics of someone else’s roof! Don’t fall for high-pressure sales tactics. It is advisable to get a second opinion from a licensed roofer. Also, ask your neighbors for recommendations; they may know a trustworthy contractor.
The Licensing Lie
Beware of contractors who can’t show proper proof of their licensing. This category of people might claim it’s “in the mail” or use fake documents. Instead, check with your state’s licensing board to verify credentials. Hiring an unlicensed worker can lead to shoddy work and liability issues.
The Materials Bait-and-Switch
These crooks might quote prices for top-notch materials but then end up using cheap substitutes. Such people pocket the difference and just give you substandard materials. Make sure to request specific brand names in your contract and verify the delivered materials.
The FEMA Impersonator
If someone claims to be from FEMA, ask for ID and call the agency to verify. If you give in to a scammer posing as an official, they may proceed to request personal information or “fees” to process aid claims. Remember, real FEMA workers have official IDs and never charge for services.
The Unnecessary Upgrade Upsell
Crappy contractors push for you to do unnecessary and costly upgrades you don’t need. Don’t let anyone pressure you into snap decisions. Oftentimes, they begin to cook lies, such as your whole electrical system, which needs replacing after minor storm damage. Alternatively, obtain written quotes from professionals.
The Insurance Claim Con
Beware of contractors offering to “handle” your insurance claim. Some inflate damages or create fake claims to pocket any extra cash they see. Note that this is insurance fraud and can get you in big trouble. Make sure to always work directly with your insurance company. Let them send their adjuster to assess the damage.
The Lowball Switcheroo
Certain individuals hook you with a super-low estimate, then jack up the price mid-job or even generate unplanned expenses. To justify the hike, they cite “unforeseen issues.” So, insist on getting a detailed, written estimate upfront. Also, make sure it covers potential problems.
The Backdated Contract Trick
Be cautious of contractors who backdate their contracts before a storm hits. This type of trick is designed to bypass “cooling-off” rules that allow you to cancel within a few days. Before signing, carefully review the dates. If something seems suspicious, don’t hesitate to walk away and find a better professional.
The Phantom Damage Scam
Some dishonest individuals fabricate “storm damage” in order to deceive your insurance company. They may dent your siding or throw debris on the roof by using hammers. So, click photos of your property right after the storm. This gives you a record to compare against any suddenly appearing damage.
The Leftover Materials Markup
Stick with pros who source materials specifically for your project, so you get what you need and not someone else’s scraps. Some unprofessional contractors may assert that they possess “leftover materials” from a previous project. They can offer you what may seem like a juicy deal, but those materials could be low-quality.
The Permit Dodger
Avoid contractors who skip building permits. They’ll claim it saves time and money, but it’s a risky move. Without proper inspections, you could end up with serious code violations or unsafe repairs. Here’s the deal: reputable pros always handle the permit process. If someone suggests cutting this corner, find a better contractor.
The High-Pressure Sales Pitch
Ever feel rushed into a big decision? That’s precisely what some post-hurricane scammers count on. They’ll push hard for you to sign on the dotted line, using tactics like “today-only” deals or warnings about skyrocketing prices. Don’t buy it! A legit contractor knows you need time to think.
The Subcontractor Switcheroo
Think you’ve hired a top-notch crew? Not so fast. Some sneaky contractors win your business, then hand the job to cheap, untrained subcontractors. The result? Shoddy work that’ll haunt you for years. Here’s your game plan: Ask point-blank about subcontractors before signing anything. Get the scoop on their skills and insurance.
The Lien Landmine
Picture this nightmare: You’ve paid your contractor, but they stiffed their suppliers. Now, there’s a lien on your house! Yikes. Don’t let it happen to you. As the job rolls on, demand lien waivers. These magic papers keep you off the hook for the contractor’s unpaid bills.