CHICAGO,
IL – April 19, 2012 –
The Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois (BBB) is
warning consumers to be on the lookout this spring for traveling con artists. These
scammers stake out neighborhoods and knock on doors offering great deals for
homeowners. They tend to offer services for home repair, driveways or yard work
at low prices, but then raise the fee substantially once the work is completed
and use intimidation to obtain payment.
“Workers may appear harmless, and a good alternative to
seeking out people on your own to do your spring home repairs,” said Steve J. Bernas, president
& CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago
and Northern Illinois. “Choosing them as an
option does not allow you an opportunity to research a company or contractor so
you can determine whether you’re dealing with someone who is legitimate.”
If you
are considering hiring someone who solicits services at your door, the BBB
offers the following tips:
- Don’t agree to allow someone to perform work right
away. Take their information such as a business card or flyer and check
them out with the BBB at www.bbb.org. You
may also want to call the company directly and make sure the person who
approached you is an actual employee.
- Don’t ever let someone unexpected into your home. If
they say they are with the city, utility company or something similar,
contact that company directly and verify the visit and work to be done.
- Do not fall for any high pressure tactics. High
pressure sales may be the first red flag that you are dealing with someone
untrustworthy.
- Get three bids before hiring any type of contractor.
The BBB has a free Request a Quote
service at www.bbb.org/chicago/accredited-business-directory/get-a-quote
to get bids from Accredited Businesses in northern Illinois.
- Before doing business with any company check out
their Business Review for free at www.bbb.org
For more information on finding services you can
trust, visit www.bbb.org
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As a private, non-profit
organization, the purpose of the Better Business Bureau is to promote an
ethical marketplace. BBBs help resolve buyer/seller complaints by means of
conciliation, mediation and arbitration. BBBs also review advertising claims,
online business practices and charitable organizations. BBBs develop and
issue reports on businesses and nonprofit organizations and encourage
people to check out a company or charity before making a purchase or donation.
