When selecting a home professional, using a few guidelines can help protect you from fraudulent contractors. These warning signs indicate a contractor who may be running a scam:

• Does not list a number in the phone book.
• Asks you to get required building permits.
• Only accepts cash.
• Solicits door-to-door.
• Says you will get a discount if you find other customers for that contractor.
• Says your job will be a demonstration.
• Offers exceptionally long guarantees.
• Asks you to pay for the entire job up front.
• Tries to scare you into signing for repairs claiming they are urgent.

Always read and understand every word of a contract before signing. If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification.