Watch for Spring Scams

A few warm days and I am pulling out the screwdrivers and paintbrushes! Depending on the outside temperature. I am also anxious to get back to yard work. While I am able to do many small household chores myself, I know my limitations and call in the professionals when a job goes beyond my capabilities. Spring seems to be a time when many scammers come out of the woodwork. There was a recent scam reported on one of the Chattanooga news channels. A team of men rode through neighborhoods asking if they could repair damaged driveways. Their work was extremely inadequate and they workers were nowhere to be found when victims tried to complain about the quality of the work. Unfortunately these scammers seem to focus on the elderly in many cases. According to Carolyn L. Bird, Family and Resource Management Specialist for North Carolina State University, a paving scam press release appeared 2/25/2011 from Attorney General Roy Cooper.
Raleigh: A Forsyth County man is under court order to stop performing driveway paving and gravel work, Attorney General Roy Cooper said today.
“Paving scams often pop up in different parts of the state, change company names frequently and disappear when consumers catch on to their con,” Cooper said. “By being vigilant and not giving into high-pressure tactics, homeowners can protect their money and help us catch the scammers.”
To check out a home repair company or file a complaint against one, North Carolina consumers can call 1-877-5-NO-SCAM toll-free within state. Consumers can also file a complaint online.
Contact: Jennifer Canada, (919) 716-6413
Even though we are not in the Raleigh area, we are not protected against unethical contractors in our area. Many times these people are from other places and are passing through our area with their services. If you are in need of a professional, ask someone who has lived in the area for a number of years. They may have had similar work done or know someone else who has paid to have work done for them. Local contractors are less likely to be scammers since they live in the area and cannot afford bad references. However, there could be differences in the quality and price of services rendered, even in local communities. Once again, asking several people for local recommendations will probably give you names you can trust. There is still the possibility that you might not be satisfied with the results. I recently purchased a used riding lawnmower. I felt that I had taken the necessary precautions. The mower made exactly one loop around my yard before smoke poured out from the engine. Bottom line, be extremely cautious, and do your homework before writing the check!

Teresa Wiley
FCS Agent