Contractor Scams Are Rising in the Capital Region: How to Spot One and Stop It
Warmer weather brings roofers, pavers, and tree crews to Capital Region driveways, and unfortunately, it brings scammers too. The New York State Division of Consumer Protection reminds residents that home improvement scams consistently rank among the top consumer complaints filed in the state. The good news: these scams follow a predictable script, and once you know the lines, they lose their power.
Red Flags to Watch For
They show up uninvited. Many good contractors are too busy to seek business at your front door. Be wary of anyone knocking with a “bargain price” or claiming they have supplies left over from a neighbor’s project.
They are rushing you. Scammers may exaggerate problems or claim a new city, state, or federal regulation requires immediate upgrades, creating false urgency to push homeowners into expensive repairs. A storm makes this worse. Storm-chasing contractors may falsely claim your roof is damaged, promise unusually cheap repairs, and then demand payment before disappearing.
They want unusual payment. Avoid large upfront deposits. Use a staged payment schedule tied to completed work, pay by check or credit card when possible, and do not pay with cash, wire transfer, Zelle, or gift cards.
They offer to finance you. Scammers oftem recommend a lender they know. Do not finance through your contractor.
Simple Steps That Protect You
Get it in writing. By law, all contracts for $500 or more must be in writing, and it is a good idea to get one for event smaller projects. Compare options too: get at least three estimates that include detailed information about materials, services, and a projected timeline.
Read before you sign. You should not have to sign anything until you are ready to hire and never sign a document with blank spaces. Then hold the line at the end. Withhold final payment until the job is complete and satisfactory.
Check permits and codes with your town or county before work begins. Be cautious of contractors who ask you to pull the required building permits, which can signal a reluctance to deal with the local building inspector.
Already Paid? Here Is Your Next Move
Take a breath. You are not the first, and you have options. Start by speaking with the contractor to try to reach a resolution. If that is not possible, file a complaint with your local consumer protection agency, the New York State Division of Consumer Protection, or the New York State Attorney General. The Consumer Assistance Helpline is 1-800-697-1220.
Then call us. If you paid a suspicious contractor by check, card, or transfer, contact First New York Federal Credit Union right away at (518) 393-1326, opt 2, so we can review the transaction and help protect your accounts. Fast action matters most in the first 24 to 48 hours.
Neighbors Looking Out for Neighbors
Talk about it. Share this with the parent down the street or the retiree next door. Scams thrive on silence, and a five minute conversation can save someone thousands.
For more fraud prevention tips, visit the Safety First section of our website.