2007 PRESS RELEASES

March 15, 2007
BEWARE OF THE ANNUAL RETURN OF ITINERANT SCAM ARTISTS
Contact: Marion Horsley, 804.225.3820

It’s springtime in Virginia and that means the return of warm weather, blooming dogwoods, and itinerant scam artists.  According to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA), Virginians should be suspicious about unsolicited offers from people who claim to be experts in asphalt paving, roof repairs, tree trimming, house painting and a host of other trades.  Instead of helping you with spring clean-up and repair, these door-to-door contractors often want to clean you out by charging exorbitant fees, performing shoddy work, leaving projects only partially completed or finding nonexistent problems to correct.

The usual scenario works this way:  A worker appears on your doorstep offering what seems to be a great deal on everything from pest inspection to septic tank cleaning.  He says he has just finished a job in the neighborhood and has some leftover materials so he can give you a very low price. 

Although the story may sound legitimate, consumers should be wary of confusing sales pitches, vague promises, high pressure tactics and anything that sounds too good to be true.  Potential customers are often told they have to decide immediately, or that the offer is good “today only.”  The less time the consumer has to consider the offer and investigate the contractor, the greater the likelihood that the scam artist will be given the job.

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when dealing with solicitations by door-to-door contractors:

• Do not give in to pressure or threats.  Close the door and call the police, if necessary.
• Do not rely on what you are told; depend only on what is specified in the written contract.
• Do not pay in cash because you will then have no recourse if the work is not satisfactory.
• Do not pay in advance.  The contractor can leave without completing the job.
• Do not schedule the start of the work for at least three days from the time you sign the contract so you can take advantage of the three-day right of cancellation guaranteed by the Virginia Home Solicitation Sales Act, if you change your mind.
• Do take time to investigate thoroughly before agreeing to deal with a door-to-door contractor.
• Do insist on a written contract.
• Do review the written contract before signing it to be sure it specifies the price and other details you have discussed with the contractor about the job, including the completion date and materials.
• Do keep a copy of the contract.
• Do check out the competition so you have a good comparison to the deal you are offered.
• Do ask to see a state contractor’s license.
• Do ask for references from former customers.  Call them to discuss the worker and the work performed.
• Do note the license number of the contractor’s vehicle, in case of later problems.
• Do check with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Consumer Affairs (Virginia toll-free 800.552.9963; in the Richmond area, 786.2042), your local consumer affairs office, the Virginia Board for Contractors (804.367.8511) or the Better Business Bureau to determine if any complaints have been filed against the company.

Although there are protections provided by law against illicit itinerant contractors, the best protection starts with a careful consumer who takes the time to investigate and compare before signing a contract.