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.
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