Whether the weather or simple wear and tear, even the best maintained homes eventually need professional attention.

Beware of dubious contractors who offer to help.

How It Works

•A contractor will come to your door following the passing of a bad storm that causes damage, or to say they were working in the area and noticed a problem on your home that they can fix.

•They may say that they have extra materials they can use on a project for you.

•They will say that today’s rate will not be the same tomorrow and will seek payment upfront.

What You Should Know

•Scammers look for any opportunity - like a natural disaster - to solicit “business” door-to-door.

•They will use pressure tactics - like saying you must commit right now to lock in the best pricing - to get you to act before you have time to think through your options.

•They try to take advantage of times when they expect many people are home, such as evenings or weekends.

•If your house has been damaged by weather, shady contractors and outright scammers may try to convince you to sign over the payment from your insurance company, or otherwise pay upfront in cash.

What You Should Do

•Take a pause and consider your options.

•Always get multiple bids - typically at least three - and insist on references. Compare bids before agreeing to any work.

•Get a written contract - every time.

•Expect to make an upfront deposit, but typically no more than a third of the total estimate. Use a credit card, check, or arrange financing.

Knowledge gives you power over scams.

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Editor’s note: The AARP Fraud Watch Network equips readers with reliable, up-to-date insights and connects them to the free fraud helpline so they can better protect themselves and their loved ones.

The network also advocates at state, federal and local levels to enact policy changes that protect consumers and enforce laws.

Bill Johnston-Walsh is the state director for AARP Pennsylvania.