Spring has sprung and with warmer weather comes home repairs. Unfortunately, shady contractors are out there looking homeowners in the market for spring repairs. Contractor fraud and home improvement scams can cost homeowners thousands of dollars and leave them with shoddy workmanship, unfinished projects, or even damage to their homes.
Scammers often target older adults, but anyone can fall victim to these scams. Here are three things to know to stay safe from a home improvement rip off.
First, make sure to shop around. Don't settle for the first contractor you encounter. Get multiple estimates and ask for references before hiring anyone. Next, never pay the full cost upfront. Reputable contractors typically require a deposit, but not the full amount prior to the job starting. Lastly, resist responding to a solicitation at your door, on your phone, or online. Be proactive in your search for a reputable contractor.
Don’t cut corners when hiring a mover
With summer fast approaching, the window to relocate is opening. But whether you’re relocating for work, downsizing, or sending a child off to college who you hire to help with the moves matters a lot. Cutting corners to save money on your move could lead you right to a criminal scammer.
Moving scams are committed by rogue operators that exist primarily online. They solicit business by offering lowball estimates, often without so much as laying an eye on what’s to be moved. They might demand a hefty deposit, or even full payment in advance.
With your deposit in hand, the “movers” might simply not show up at the appointed time and place. Or they’ll try to change the deal at the last minute by raising the price. Worst of all some companies will pick up your belongings but then demand more money to deliver them.
To avoid these scams, make sure to get multiple quotes and check the references of any company you hire. While we are all looking to save money these days, when it comes to moving your personal goods safely and securely, cheaper isn’t always better.
AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline – where to turn after a scam
Every weekday, trained AARP volunteer fraud fighters are helping victims and their families understand what happened, report the crime and start to put their lives back together. If you or someone you know has been the victim of fraud, call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 1-877-908-3360 for support. And make sure to file a report with local police; you will have this as evidence in the event restitution becomes possible down the line.
Be a fraud fighter! If you can spot a scam, you can stop a scam.
Watch AARP North Carolina Fraud Watch Minutes and subscribe for the free alerts at: https://states.aarp.org/north-carolina/fraud-watch-minutes
Tech Wilmington: Upcoming Events Calendar
Staff Reports
-
May 14, 2025
|
|
Wilmington Trade Center Breaks Ground On Next Phase
Emma Dill
-
May 15, 2025
|
|
Downtown Tract Bought By Hotel Developer For $6.8M
Emma Dill
-
May 13, 2025
|
|
Better Business Bureau Recognizes Two Wilmington Companies
Staff Reports
-
May 13, 2025
|
|
Wilmington-based Outdoor And Adventure Education Center Earns Accreditation
Staff Reports
-
May 13, 2025
|
The company's co-founder and CEO said, “We’re trying to expand the way banks assess credit and do it in a very quick, automated way."...
As part of the Coastal Entrepreneur Awards program, area chambers of commerce share their awards....
The firm has grown rapidly in just under three years, the founder said, adding that the company takes an entrepreneurial approach to its ser...
The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.