Scam library · Seniors · Shopping
Home improvement and contractor scam
A contractor knocks on your door saying they have leftover materials from a nearby job and can repair your roof or driveway cheaply today. Or after a storm, a crew offers immediate repairs if you pay upfront.
They take a large deposit and disappear, or do shoddy work and demand more money.
What the message looks like
From: Flyer left on your door
Storm damage? We're in your area today only. Free roof inspection, insurance claims handled.
Special price if you sign today. 50% cash deposit required to start.
How this scam works
Scammers often target older homeowners and storm-damaged neighborhoods. The FTC advises checking a contractor's license, insurance and reviews, getting multiple written estimates, and using a written contract with no blanks.
Some ask you to sign over your insurance check or pay in cash. Others say the job needs a permit and they'll get it, then never do.
Fake inspectors may claim your home has dangerous problems that need immediate repair.
Online ads and social media posts can also be used to find victims.
Legit contractors provide written estimates and contracts, carry insurance, and don't ask for full payment upfront.
After hurricanes, floods and wildfires, out-of-town crews often arrive quickly. Some are legitimate, but scammers blend in. They may pose as government inspectors or as working with your insurer. Ask for ID and call the agency or insurer yourself.
Before you hire, ask neighbors and friends for recommendations, check online reviews, and ask the contractor for references from recent jobs nearby. A good contractor will be happy to provide them.
Watch for contractors who find 'new problems' once work begins and demand more money to continue. A clear written contract with a fixed scope and change-order process protects you. Pay in stages as work is completed, and don't make the final payment until the job is finished and inspected.
Red flags
- Door-to-door offers with leftover materials.
- Large upfront cash payments.
- No written contract or estimate.
- Pressure to sign today.
- Requests to sign over insurance checks.
How to tell it’s fake
- Check the contractor's license and insurance.
- Get several written estimates.
- Use a written contract with dates, scope and payment schedule.
- Pay by credit card or check, not cash.
What to do if you clicked, paid or shared info
Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. These scams are built by professionals. Act quickly, one step at a time.
If you clicked a link or called back
- Don't sign or pay. Report suspicious contractors to your local consumer protection office.
If you paid
- If you paid, contact your bank and local police, and report to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you shared personal info, a password or a code
- If you shared insurance details, contact your insurer.
Where to report and get help (U.S.)
If a message seems legit and you’re still not sure, get a second opinion before you act. Reporting helps stop scammers, even if money can’t be recovered. If you are in danger, call 911.
- Your bank or card issuer
Call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to watch the account. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report the scam and get a step-by-step recovery plan. - FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · ic3.gov
Report scams that happened online, especially if money was lost. Include phone numbers, websites and payment details. - AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · aarp.org helpline
Free, for anyone of any age: trained volunteers help you sort out next steps. 877-908-3360, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. - IdentityTheft.gov · IdentityTheft.gov
If you shared your Social Security number or someone opened accounts in your name.
How Gmork Scam Guard would warn you
Scam Guard in Chrome and Edge on your computer checks contractor websites and online ads. It recognizes fake business sites and risky payment requests. If a contractor seems legit, a scam expert can help you check.
Scam Guard can miss things, so the checks above still matter. See what it warns about and what it keeps private.
Questions people ask
- How much deposit is normal?
- Rules vary by state. Avoid large upfront cash payments.
- Is door-to-door work a scam?
- Not always, but be very careful.
- Can I cancel a contract signed at home?
- Federal rules may give you three days to cancel some sales made at home.
- How do I check a contractor?
- Check licenses, insurance and reviews.