Home repair contractor deposit scam
Fake contractors show up or text after storms offering half-price repairs with "leftover materials". They demand a large deposit in cash or by app, then do poor work or never come back.
How this scam works
The low price and pressure keep you from checking licenses or getting other quotes. Cash and payment apps are hard to get back.
Common versions of the message
- Leftover materials from a nearby job
- A big cash or app deposit
- An offer that ends today
What the message looks like
Text from +1 (555) 016-2281
Hi, we're working on a roof down the street and have leftover materials. We can fix your storm damage today at half price, but we need a $2,500 deposit in cash or Zelle before we start. Offer ends tonight.
Fictional example based on common, publicly reported scam patterns.
The red flags
- 1
Unrequested offer: “leftover materials”
A classic opener for home repair scams
Unrequested offers with leftover materials are a classic opener.
- 2
Big cash deposit: “$2,500 deposit in cash or Zelle”
Hard to get back if they never return
Large deposits in cash or by Zelle are hard to recover if the work never happens.
- 3
Rushed deadline: “Offer ends tonight”
Pressure so you skip getting other quotes
Same-day deadlines are there to stop you from getting other quotes.
What to do
- Get at least two written quotes from local contractors you look up yourself.
- Check the contractor's license with your state.
- Pay a small deposit by credit card or check, never a large amount in cash.
If you already replied, clicked, or paid
- If you paid by card, call your card issuer to dispute the charge.
- Report it to your state attorney general and local police.
- Keep any texts, receipts, and photos.
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