“Don’t Get Scammed: Payment Methods and Canceling Contracts”

“Don’t Get Scammed: Payment Methods and Canceling Contracts”

When storms blow in, we need to watch out for the scam artists that chase them. The US General in Iowa, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have given some important topics that I want to talk about. When a disaster strikes, unfortunately, scam artists will be ready to take advantage of the misfortune of others.

Pay by credit card or check if possible. Avoid on-the-spot cash payments. The safest route is to use a credit card. A reasonable down payment is around 30% of the total cost of the project, to be paid upon initial delivery of materials. State and federal law gives customers a three day cooling off period for unsolicited door-to-door sales of more than $25 in the state of Iowa. This includes contracts signed at your home. That means that you have three days to actually back out of the agreement/contract.

If it is necessary to cancel, do so in the proper manner. Be sure to follow the procedures for cancellation that are set out in the contract. Send the notification by registered mail with a return receipt to be signed by the contractor. Also, if the contractor is making a large issue out of the cancellation, you might incur penalties such as eating the cost of some of the down payment.

If a contractor gives the homeowner a lot of pushback, then something isn’t right. You might have a medical issue or other financial reason why you cannot do the project after all. At Bakeris Roofing, we’re of the mindset that it’s completely understandable if you must step out of the contract. We won’t give you unnecessary pushback. Whenever you are able to do the work in the future, just give us a call.

If you find a contractor in the Des Moines area that you think is committing fraud, call the consumer protection division of the Iowa Attorney General’s office. Their number is 1-888-777-4590. They are open from Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Again, watch out for scam artists and don’t let them take advantage of you. At Bakeris Roofing, we’ve been here for 24 years and we plan on being here for a long time to come. If you have ever had us do work for you, we don’t think of you as just a customer. You’re a client for life.