8. Home Repair and Contractor Fraud

Often referred to as “woodchucks,” fraudulent contractors frequently target older homeowners, particularly after severe weather events. They arrive at your house in an unmarked truck, claiming they were doing work in the neighborhood and happened to notice severe damage to your roof, chimney, or driveway.

They use high-pressure tactics, warning that if you do not fix the issue immediately, your roof will collapse or your home will flood. They demand a large cash deposit upfront to purchase materials. Once paid, they either disappear entirely, perform shoddy and dangerous work, or intentionally damage your property further to extort more money.

Never hire a contractor who shows up uninvited. Always insist on seeing proof of licensing and liability insurance. Gather at least three written estimates from local, reputable businesses before agreeing to major home repairs.