Homeowners know this by now, there’s always something that needs to be repaired or replaced around the house. And we all know that usually, it’s expensive to repair. If you are a homeowner who knows how to repair things around the house, you are a lucky person who can save some money for the family. But if you don’t have the knowledge, then you know it’s going to cost you. That also means that you have to watch out for Home Repair Services Scams.
Of course not every business that offers home repairs and home improvements is going to scam you. There are many great, trustworthy small and big businesses worth checking. But there and also the dark side, and you have to be vigilant to recognize who’s who.
In this episode of GroovyTakeOn Podcast, Klaudia is going to share her not-so-great experience with repair services and then share simple and useful tips on how to protect yourself a little better. Don’t forget to check the list of resources at the end of this post.
**GroovyTakeOn podcast is part of #HiMomProject. Helping Older Adults to get ready, stay safe, online and offline.**
It’s time for a new episode of GroovyTakeOn Podcast:
This episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and other podcast platforms (click here or search for GroovyTakeOn).
Tips:
- do the research – if possible compare the prices
- Facebook (local) Groups – ask people on local Facebook groups for any recommendations and tips
- Yelp! – read the reviews, those good and bad as well
- Ask your friends and neighbors
- check BBB.org (Better Business Bureau)
- ask your HOA (Home Owners Association) if they can recommend any service
- Be vigilant – prepare questions, write down info/prices/etc.
- High-Pressure Sales Tactics – don’t allow others to pressure you to make the decision right away.
Resources:
- “11 Trusted Tips to Avoid a Home Improvement Scam” by FamilyHandyman (click here)
- “Scams and Frauds” by USA.gov (click here)
- “Prevention Tips” by Fraud.org (click here)
- “Avoiding Scams 101” by Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Information (click here)
- “10 Things You Can Do to Avoid Fraud” by Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Information (click here)
- “Five Home Improvement Scams and How to Avoid Them” by HomeAdvisor (click here)
- “Home Improvement Scams” by AARP (click here)
- “BBB Tip: Home Improvement Scams” by BBB.org (click here)
- “Beware of Home Repair Scams” by NY Department of Financial Services (click here)
- “Home Repair Scams” by Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Information (click here)
- “Top 10 Red Flags of Home Repair Scams” by National Consumer League (click here)
What’s your opinion? What’s your experience? Do you have any tips on how to protect yourself against those type of scams?
Stay Safe. Stay Groovy
