📋 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Scam Alert
Quote scams cost consumers millions annually across the US, UK, and Australia. Don't become a victim. Learn to spot fraudulent contractors before they take your money.
Not all contractors are honest. Some use sophisticated scams to extract money from unsuspecting homeowners and businesses.
This guide reveals the most common quote scams and provides bulletproof protection strategies to keep you safe.
🎭Common Quote Scam Types
The Door-to-Door Scam
"We were working in your area and noticed your roof needs urgent repair..."
- •Unsolicited door-to-door visits
- •Claims of "urgent" problems you didn't know about
- •Pressure to sign immediately
- •Special discount for signing today
- •No proper business address or credentials
- •Demands cash payment upfront
The Upfront Payment Scam
"We need full payment upfront to secure materials and book your slot..."
- •They take your money and disappear
- •Work never starts or is abandoned
- •Phone numbers stop working
- •No recourse for getting money back
The Phantom Quote Scam
Fake quotes designed to make other (scam) quotes look reasonable.
- •Provides extremely high comparison quote (£20,000)
- •Then offers their "discounted" quote (£12,000)
- •Victim thinks £12,000 is reasonable (actual fair price: £6,000)
- •Victim pays double the fair price
Never Sign Contracts
Never sign contracts with door-to-door contractors. Legitimate contractors don't need to solicit business this way.
🧠Psychological Manipulation Tactics
Scammers use sophisticated psychological techniques to manipulate your decision-making and bypass your natural caution.
Common Manipulation Techniques:
- •Urgency Pressure: "This price expires at midnight" - Creates false urgency to prevent comparison shopping
- •Authority Deception: Fake credentials, professional uniforms, claims of government endorsement
- •False Generosity: "Special discount just for you" - Makes you feel special and obligated
- •Social Proof Lies: Fake testimonials, claims your neighbor recommended them
🛡️Bulletproof Protection Strategies
The Scam-Proof Checklist
Before Engaging:
- ✓Verify business registration with Companies House
- ✓Check insurance certificates are current
- ✓Look up online reviews from multiple sources
- ✓Visit their business premises if possible
- ✓Ask for recent customer references
During Quoting:
- ✓Get detailed written quotes from 3+ contractors
- ✓Use our quote analysis tool for verification
- ✓Never sign contracts under pressure
- ✓Take time to research and compare
- ✓Question any quote significantly above/below others
Verification Resources
Use official checks: Companies House register, Trading Standards database, professional body memberships, and our
quote analysis toolfor price verification.
🚨If You've Been Scammed
Act quickly - time is critical for recovery. The sooner you act, the better your chances of getting your money back.
Immediate Action
Stop the scam from getting worse and preserve evidence.
- •Contact your bank immediately
- •Stop all payments to the scammer
- •Document everything (emails, contracts, receipts)
- •Gather all evidence of the scam
Report the Scam
Alert authorities to help others and build a case.
- •Action Fraud (0300 123 2040)
- •Trading Standards office
- •Citizens Advice Bureau
- •Police (if criminal activity suspected)
Financial Recovery
Explore all options for getting your money back.
- •Chargeback claims through your bank
- •Section 75 protection (credit cards)
- •Insurance claims if applicable
- •Legal action as last resort
🛡️Your Scam Prevention Summary
✅Good Signs
- Door-to-door sales:Research contractors yourself
- Payment terms:Pay in stages as work progresses
- Quote verification:Use our analysis tool to verify quotes
- Decision making:Take time to research and compare
- Credentials:Verify all licenses and insurance
❌Red Flags
- Door-to-door sales:Sign with door-to-door salespeople
- Payment terms:Pay large amounts upfront
- Quote verification:Accept quotes without verification
- Decision making:Be pressured into immediate decisions
- Credentials:Trust claims without verification
Stay Protected
Remember: Legitimate contractors welcome scrutiny and give you time to make decisions. If someone pressures you or refuses verification, walk away immediately.
🔗 HELPFUL RESOURCES
GET INSTANT ANALYSIS:
Use our free quote analysis tool to verify if your quote is fairly priced based on current market rates.
ANALYZE YOUR QUOTE