Contractor Scam Phrases Know

Like most homeowners, you probably spent the winter months talking about the various home improvements you'd like to make. Now that spring is here, it's time to act on those remodeling ideas. Unfortunately, it's also a time when incompetent or unethical contractors come out of the woodwork to prey on innocent homeowners. To help reduce your risk of being scammed, here are some of the popular phrases I encountered when I was rehabbing real estate.

"I just happen to be working in your neighborhood."

"I have materials left over from another job."

"I need the cash up front."

"I have a special offer that's good for today only."

"I can help you finance the project." (NEVER, EVER, EVER DO THIS!! You can potentially lose you home to the scam artist.)

"I want to use your home as a model."

If you ever feel that you are being solicited by an undesirable contractor, report them immediately. Don't be afraid to contact the Contractors Board or your city's license enforcement to verify the contractor's license. You will be surprise to find that the license number posted on most commercial vehicles owned by contractors are invalid or fraudulent numbers. Also, request a copy of their Manufacturers and Contractors' insurance policy. In working with contractors, I found that most of them don't have a clue as to why this insurance policy is needed. It protects you against liability claims while the contractors are working. I sold numerous policies to contractors working for me, which they canceled as soon as the job was finished. Homeowner beware.
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