(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today warned consumers to beware of home repair scams following the severe weather that hit Ohio this week.
“If you have downed trees, a damaged roof, or other storm damage, be wary of people who unexpectedly show up at your door offering services,” Attorney General DeWine said. “Some con artists travel to storm-damaged areas to rip off homeowners. They promise to do the work immediately and ask for payment up front, but they leave without finishing the job. We encourage people to be careful and to research contractors before making payments.”
Attorney General DeWine’s office has pursued dozens of enforcement actions against home improvement contractors who failed to deliver promised services to consumers. In some cases, the contractors targeted consumers in storm-damaged areas, accepted large down payments (sometimes the consumer’s insurance check), and left before completing the work.
Before entering into a contract with any home improvement business, consumers should take steps to protect themselves, such as:
- Research the business. Obtain the name, address, and phone number of any contractor offering to do work for you. Check for complaints on file with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and the Better Business Bureau. Conduct an internet search of the business’s name and words like “complaints,” “reviews,” or “scam.” Contact other customers to ask about their experiences with the contractor. If possible, get recommendations from neighbors, friends, or family. Don’t accept services from a contractor who refuses to provide proper identification.
- Get multiple estimates. Consider getting estimates from at least three different contractors. Be wary if one contractor quotes a price that is dramatically lower than the prices other businesses are offering. The contractor later may demand more money or fail to complete the work as promised.
- Don’t make large payments in advance. Be wary of contractors who demand large upfront payments, such as half or more of the total cost. Also be wary of contractors who ask you to sign over your insurance check. Try to pay in increments, as the work is completed to your satisfaction.
- Get a detailed written contract. Insist on a written contract detailing the costs, the work to be done, the starting and end dates, and any verbal promises made by the contractor.
- Understand your cancellation rights. If the contract resulted from a door-to-door sale, you generally have three days to cancel the contract, according to Ohio’s Home Solicitation Sales Act. The seller should give you written notice of these rights.
- Consider paying with a credit card. Paying with a credit card generally gives you greater protections to dispute unauthorized charges, especially compared to paying in cash.
Consumers who need help or who want to report a potential scam should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at
www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.
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Media Contacts
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Kate Hanson: 614-466-3840