The Better Business Bureau recently announced that its Scam Tracker has received numerous reports of unscrupulous emergency garage door repair companies targeting homeowners by advertising their emergency repair services, and then inflating the amount of work needed or the required parts for repair.
These scammers often take advantage of urgent situations and prey on the homeowners’ lack of knowledge of garage door parts and service costs, the BBB stated in a news release. Also, these companies can appear at the top of internet searches when homeowners search for emergency garage door repair.
This past week, the daughter of a Painesville senior toldBBB Serving Greater Clevelandabout her family’s experience with an unscrupulous garage door contractor.
The woman told BBB that her mother “had googled for garage services” and a company appeared in the search engine’s sponsored ad listings. The consumer noted the company had no “physical address and an 800 number that changes every time you look it up,” according to the release.
The company told the mother that they could work on her garage that day and offered to repair a pipe, the spring, and bolts on the door for $1,611. The company completed the job. However, the homeowner never received a written contract, only a payment receipt.
The consumer paid for the repairs, then the company claimed her personal check was returned for insufficient funds. The consumer issued a stop payment and got a Cashier’s Check which she gave to the company, the release stated.
Next, the company claimed she needed to speak to their bank to release the funds. The consumer and her daughter were suspicious and said they would not do that because that’s not how cashier’s checks work.
The company tried to coerce the mother to speak to their “bank” but provided a fake customer service number, according to the release. The consumer told the company to cease contact, but she continues to be plagued by spam calls from spoofed bank numbers.
According to the BBB, here are warning signs of garage door repair scams:
• Business name: Garage door scammers often use multiple names that are generic and unclear and not listed as a legally registered business with the state.
• Payment upfront: Be cautious of any repair service that demands payment in full before any work is completed. Reputable companies will provide a detailed estimate and allow you to pay after the work is finished.
• No physical address: Garage door scammers do not have a legitimate physical showroom or will use a fake address. Scammers may only provide a phone number or an email address and avoid giving you a verifiable location.
• Lack of identification: Legitimate repair professionals typically wear uniforms, have identification, and drive company-branded vehicles. Be skeptical if the individual does not have proper identification or a marked vehicle.
• Unrealistic low prices: Many scams advertise a low fee for the service call, only to demand more money for additional “repairs.” If a quote seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• High-pressure sales tactics: Scammers may use high-pressure tactics to convince you that your garage door requires immediate and costly repairs. They may insist that you should not wait, and they may demand payment upfront.
“Due diligence is key when hiring any service provider,” the BBB stated in the release. “Researching and choosing a reputable garage door repair company can save money and frustration in the long run. A reputable garage door repair company will prioritize safety and provide transparent and fair pricing.”
Other actions a homeowner can take:
• Get multiple estimates. Always get multiple quotes for repair work. This will help you understand the average cost of the repair and identify any outliers.
• Research companies before making a decision. Ask for references from previous customers and check out the company’s business profile at bbb.org. Request a physical company address as well as contact information and names of managerial staff.
• Pay by credit when possible. Cash payment is the preferred option used by fly-by-night scammers. When possible, use a method of payment such as a credit card, which provides recourse if a project goes sideways.
• Get contracts and receipts. Keep a written record of quotes and payments in case these are disputed in the future or the company tries to renegotiate prices after work has started.
• Ask for credentials. Request proof of insurance, licensing, qualifications, and identification from anyone visiting a home for repairs.
Better Business Bureau encourages individuals to report scams, regardless of whether or not they have lost money, to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
