Avoid Falling Victim To Door-to-Door Scams

If someone comes to your door, offering services, there's no harm in listening to what they have to say. But don't take them up on their offer right away. Tell them you're interested, but would like them to come back another day. Then take that time to do some research, including looking up their business on the Better Business Bureau's website. Also ask your neighbors if they've had any experience with the company.

A lot of these scam artists will use high pressure tactics to appeal to their potential victims. Don't allow yourself to be swayed by sob stories or allow them to make you feel uncomfortable. Remember, they're on your property, so it's your right to demand that they leave. If they refuse, you may want to involve law enforcement.

A common tactic with these kinds of scams is to get the homeowner to pay up front. Then one of two things can happen. Either the quality of the work is not worth the price you paid for it, or it never gets done at all. At that point, it's up to you to sue the person in order to get your money back. And chances are good that you'll never find them. Never, ever pay up front. Wait until the work is completed to your satisfaction.

To protect yourself legally, get everything in writing. This includes a copy of the terms and conditions of the contract, a copy of the contract itself (including signatures, preferably witnessed by a third person that you know, like your spouse), and a signed receipt of payment, once the job is complete. Include the agreed-upon price, the commitment period, and any cancellation policies.

The Door-to-Door Seller of Home Repair Services Act in Maine states that anyone selling services in this way must be registered with the state. And, if they don't have a permanent business location, they must carry a state-issued registration card. Make sure you see that card. And remember, in the state of Maine, anyone offering these types of services must wait three days between the date of agreement and the date they start the work. This gives the consumer a grace period, during which they can reconsider their choice.

For more information about protecting your rights, log onto the Maine Attorney General's website.