Avoiding Contractor Fraud and Home Improvement Scams
HARRISBURG, Pa., April 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — AARP Pennsylvania is urging property owners to be vigilant from contractor fraud and residence enhancement scams as hotter weather ways and house owners get started planning for repairs and renovations.
Contractor fraud and property enhancement ripoffs can expense owners 1000’s of pounds and go away them with shoddy workmanship, unfinished jobs, or even destruction to their households. Scammers normally concentrate on more mature grown ups who could be extra trusting, but anybody can tumble target to these scams.
To help home owners shield on their own, AARP Pennsylvania features the adhering to tips:
- Do your research: Before using the services of a contractor, check their qualifications and references. Question for a record of prior clientele and stick to up with them to ask about their knowledge.
- Get multiple estimates: Never settle for the 1st contractor who arrives alongside. Get multiple estimates and look at them to be certain you are receiving a honest price.
- Don’t shell out upfront: Keep away from contractors who demand from customers upfront payment or big deposits. Reliable contractors typically require a deposit or payment soon after the operate has started.
- Get anything in writing: Make certain to get a created agreement that incorporates all the facts of the undertaking, like the timeline, payment timetable, and materials to be utilised.
- Be cautious of higher-strain product sales techniques: Will not be pressured into generating a conclusion on the spot. Consider time to review the contract and make absolutely sure you fully grasp all the phrases.
“Household improvement frauds and contractor fraud are regretably all also prevalent, and can have devastating economic consequences for more mature Pennsylvanians,” stated Mary Bach, Chair of the AARP Pennsylvania Consumer Problems Job Power. “That is why it’s essential to do your investigate, get almost everything in creating, and be cautious of high-tension profits methods. By subsequent these very simple methods, you can protect your self and your dwelling from these varieties of scams.”
David Kalinoski, Affiliate Condition Director of Group Outreach, emphasised the significance of remaining proactive in preserving oneself from frauds. “It is vital to choose motion to safeguard your self and your household. Never wait around right until it is really far too late to check out references, get multiple estimates, and critique contracts totally. A tiny bit of effort and hard work upfront can save you a good deal of money and headaches down the street.”
Report cons to local regulation enforcement. For assist from AARP, get in touch with 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Look at Community at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.
About AARP
AARP is the nation’s greatest nonprofit, nonpartisan corporation committed to empowering folks 50 and more mature to choose how they stay as they age. With a nationwide existence and virtually 38 million customers, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, economic security and personal fulfillment. AARP also makes the nation’s most significant circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To discover extra, visit www.aarp.org, www.aarp.org/espanol or observe @AARP, @AARPenEspanol and @AARPadvocates, @AliadosAdelante on social media.
MEDIA Speak to:
TJ Thiessen | [email protected] | (202) 374-8033
Resource AARP Pennsylvania
