Scam Alert: Contractors and Rip-Offs Peak This Fall in Illinois

As we navigate a new season in Illinois, it brings out not only a new vibe, look, and weather change. Scammers are out in full force and ready to take complete advantage of you.

According to the BBB, contractor and home repair scams are currently growing throughout Illinois. They are part of the top ten scams nationwide, too. Over $1,800 is lost, on average, by victims. Has it happened to you?

The fall months bring a long to-do list of gutter cleaning, roof repairs, and inspections to prep our homes for winter. Contractors show up with "too good to be true" offers, business cards that look oh-so real, and they claim they just finished helping one of your neighbors and would like to help you next.

DON'T FALL FOR IT. DON'T DO IT.

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To protect yourself, the BBB suggests doing your homework and researching about businesses that are reliable and trustworthy. Don't hire just any ol' body. Read reviews, check they BBB rating, and ask around to see if anyone else has used their services.

If you're an Illinois homeowner and you're looking to get work done on your property, take extra time to double-check who you're letting in.

If it seems too goof to be true, trust your gut.

If a contractor is pushing or pressuring you to buy their services, don't trust it.

Many phony contractors will use tactics to scare you into buying from them. They'll say things like, "your roof is leaking", "you need an upgrade right away", "we'll give you a big discount" in hopes you take them up on their home services.

Don't let a scammer outsmart you or allow them to steal thousands from you!