1. They Knock on Your Door Without Marketing
Legit contractors are busy, but if they just completed a job at a neighbor's house, they should knock on your door. However, if they don't have a door knocker, a business card, possibly a vehicle wrap... If there is nothing showcasing their license and they are an actual legitimate company. Slam the door in their face.
2. They Offer a "Today-Only" Deal
Urgency is a scammer’s best friend. If they say,
"This deal is ONLY available if you sign right now!" they’re hoping you’ll panic and fork over your cash. A real contractor gives you time to think things over.
3. They Want a Huge Upfront Payment
This is the classic move. They ask for a big deposit—sometimes even
the full amount upfront—then disappear or do a half-baked job. A reputable contractor will have structured payments tied to project milestones, not a "pay me now, I promise I’ll come back" approach.
4. They Won’t Show You Their License or Insurance
If a contractor refuses to show proof of licensing, bonding, or insurance, it’s probably because they don’t have it. And if they don’t have it? That means if something goes wrong, you’re on the hook.
Always ask. Always verify.
5. They Give You a Vague or Handshake-Only Contract
No contract? No deal. A professional contractor puts everything in writing—materials, timeline, costs, guarantees. If they want to "keep it simple" with just a handshake or a scribbled estimate, they’re setting you up for trouble. We're living 2025, where CRMs are less than $150 per month with automatic e-signatures. Reputable companies have contracts.
6. They Use High-Pressure Sales Tactics
A real pro lets their work speak for itself. If a contractor is pushing you to make a decision right now, using fear tactics like
"Your roof is about to collapse!", take a step back. Scammers love to create fake emergencies to rush you into a bad deal. Our clients at TIP, are already on page 1 of Google, they are busy, and they just want to be known as an option. They don't need to pressure you, because they already have a packed schedule. When someone pressures you, it's because they don't have enough customers to keep their people paid and their lights on.
7. They Don’t Have an Online Presence
No website? No reviews? No social media? 🚩🚩🚩 That’s a problem. A trustworthy contractor should have
some digital footprint—whether it’s a website, a Google Business Profile, or even just Facebook reviews. If they’re nowhere to be found online, it’s time to ask why.
8. Their Reviews Are Suspicious (or Nonexistent)
Speaking of reviews… check them. If they have
zero reviews, or if the only ones they have are all within the past month (and sound oddly similar), something’s fishy. Look for real, detailed reviews across multiple platforms.
9. They Have No Physical Address (or It’s a P.O. Box)
Scammers often use
fake addresses. P.O. boxes are acceptable, but the biggest and most reputable companies have a literal address where they store their inventory, circle the wagons, and can meet customers by appointment.
10. They Demand Cash Only
Cash might be king, but in this case, it’s a
scammer’s best friend. No paper trail means no accountability. If a contractor insists on being paid in cash—especially in full—consider that money
gone forever.
11. They Show Up With No Equipment or Unmarked Vehicles
If your contractor arrives in a beat-up van with no company name or logo, carrying tools that look like they were borrowed from their uncle’s garage, be cautious. Professional contractors invest in their business. They have branded trucks, uniforms, and the right equipment.
12. They Won’t Give References
A legit contractor should
happily give you a list of past clients who can vouch for their work. If they hesitate, make excuses, or say
"We don’t really do that", you’ve got a problem.
13. They Keep Changing the Price Mid-Project
This one’s tricky because sometimes unexpected costs pop up. But if a contractor
constantly comes back asking for more money—and there’s no solid reason—it’s a classic bait-and-switch. For example, gutter companies sell by the linear foot, roofers too. If they can't easily explain their pricing, if they switch it, don't hire them.
14. They Rush the Work (or Never Show Up)
A real pro takes their time to
do it right. If a contractor rushes through your project, cutting corners left and right, they’re probably looking to get in, get paid, and get out. And if they start ghosting you after you’ve paid? Well, that’s straight-up theft.
15. Your Gut Says Something’s Off
Listen, I know this one isn’t "scientific," but trust your instincts. If something
feels shady—whether it’s the contractor’s attitude, their lack of professionalism, or just the way they operate—trust your gut. Scammers rely on people ignoring red flags.
Don’t be that person.
So, What Should You Do Instead?
If you spot
ANY of these red flags, don’t panic—just take the right steps:
✅
Verify their license with your local contractor’s board.
✅
Check online reviews and references.
✅
Get multiple quotes and compare.
✅
Never pay the full amount upfront.
✅
Use a written contract with clear terms.
Scammers are out there, but
so are great contractors. If you do your homework, ask the right questions, and trust your instincts, you’ll find someone who does the job right—without the shady business.
Now, go forth and build that dream home, remodel that kitchen, or fix that leaky roof—just make sure you’re hiring a
pro, not a scammer.
