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Home Repair Frauds Reprinted April 1998 Just when we think we’re aware of the frauds and scams with regard to home repairs, we find there new ones. As with telephone solicitations, we should be wary of salespeople knocking on our doors offering to do repairs to our homes. These unscrupulous people can be male or female, young or old, neatly groomed, they don’t wear name tags that label them as scam or con artists. Below is a list of common frauds to avoid. Another clue, is the request of money to buy supplies or payment in full before working. 1. Roof scams. Salespeople falsely tell homeowners their roof’s wood sheathing is rotted and needs replacing at a cost of several thousands of dollars. Or that the trusses are sagging under the weight of the roof and needs additional support. Or and "inspector" comes to check the roof and finds additional work needs to be done costing more money. 2. Insect or animal infestation scams. The homeowner is told his house is infested with termites, baby snakes or wood borers and needs spraying. Or to spray against mortar mites, bats, raccoons or radon gas. 3. Mildew scam. The homeowner is told that mildew must be corrected with an expensive spray. 4. Toilet bowl scam. The homeowner is told there is a leak around the toilet bowl (after spilling the water). Consequently, there are repair bills for repairing the seal as well as replacing flooring. That often heard phrase "Just say no" applies in these circumstances, too. Although people sometimes think these are scams upon the elderly but people of all ages can be the prey of these con artists. (From Elder Law Forum Nov/Dec ‘97)
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Copyright © 2002 Law Firm of Raymond L. Parri, P.A., All rights reserved.
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