Scam library
Home repair scams
A contractor pressures you into paying for repairs they abandon, perform badly, or never needed to make.
What it looks like
Fictional example: We have paving materials left from a nearby job. Pay cash today and we can redo your driveway cheaply.
Fictional example: Your roof is unsafe after the storm. Send the full deposit now to reserve our last repair slot.
How it works
A supposed contractor arrives with an urgent repair story or a limited-time deal. They collect a large payment and disappear, leave incomplete work, or demand more money. Some also steer homeowners into financing they do not understand.
Warning signs
- A door-to-door offer requires an immediate decision.
- The contractor demands full payment before starting.
- They refuse a detailed written contract.
- License, insurance, or references cannot be independently checked.
If you got one of these
- Get multiple written estimates from independently verified contractors.
- Check required licenses and insurance with the relevant authorities or insurer.
- Agree on scope, price, payment stages, and completion dates in writing.
- Have someone you trust review unexpected repairs or financing offers.
If you already paid or shared something
- Contact your bank or card issuer promptly about disputed payments.
- Photograph the work and keep estimates, contracts, receipts, and messages.
- Report to your contractor licensing board, state consumer office, and reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Who gets targeted
Homeowners needing repairs, including people recovering from storms or managing a property from elsewhere.