Who: The FTC collects reports of home repair and contractor fraud.
When to use: Use when you paid and work was not done or was substandard.
What to prepare:
- Company or person
- Amount paid
- What was agreed
FTC ReportFraud~5 min
Category: Housing & rental
Home repair & contractor scams
How it often plays out
Someone shows up after a storm or calls offering a "great deal" on roofing or repairs. They take a large deposit and never return, or do shoddy work. Storm chasers and fake contractors often pressure for upfront payment and disappear. They may knock on your door right after a storm or call from a "local" number. Get a written contract and verify the contractor's license with your state before paying anything; real contractors do not demand full payment before work begins.
How to spot it
Common red flags: pressure to act immediately, requests for payment by gift card or wire, offers that seem too good to be true, or unsolicited requests for your personal or financial details.
Do's and don'ts
Do
- Get a written contract and check your state contractor license board.
- Be wary of door-to-door offers or high-pressure "today only" deals.
- Report to the FTC and your state AG or consumer protection office.
Don't
- Pay in full upfront before work begins.
- Hire without verifying the contractor's license.
- Trust "storm chasers" who show up right after a disaster.
Summary & what to do
Fake contractors or "storm chasers" take deposits and do not complete work, or do poor work. Get written contracts and verify licenses before paying.
What to do right now
- Do not pay in full upfront. Get a written contract and check your state contractor license board.
- Be wary of door-to-door offers or high-pressure "today only" deals.
- Report to the FTC and your state AG or consumer protection office.
Where to report
Who: Your state Attorney General or consumer office often handles contractor complaints.
When to use: Use to report in your state.
What to prepare:
- Contractor name
- What happened
Build your knowledge: Recommended reading — books & free websites on financial literacy and fraud awareness