BBB Warns Of “Seasonal Home Improvement Scams” In Illinois

Although it still feels very summer-like outside right now (and will for almost another week), the cool fall air is approaching quickly. So are scammers and criminals who start showing up as we prepare for the coming cold weather months.

One common tactic involves exploiting the seasonal shift from air conditioning to heating. Furnace inspections and tune-ups are in high demand, and scammers may use this opportunity to push fake or overpriced services onto you.

Dennis Horton, director of the Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau (BBB):

Fall is a prime season for home improvement scams. These scams rank as the fifth riskiest for consumers, with a median loss of $1,800, according to our 2024 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report. Fraudsters often take advantage of homeowners during this transitional time, offering unnecessary or substandard services that can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.”

Even Though The Vast Majority Of Contractors Are Good And Reputable People, You Should Still Do Your Homework Before Agreeing To Have Any Work Done

There are multiple ways to check to see if that person who reached out to you about a home improvement job is legit and on the up-and-up.

Check Licensing and Insurance: Ask for their state license number (in Illinois, you can verify at idfpr.illinois.gov).

Look for Local References: Ask for at least three recent clients in your area and follow up. Drive by completed projects if possible, because it tells you a lot about craftsmanship.

Read Reviews on Multiple Platforms: Look for patterns. One bad review might not matter, but recurring issues with quality or communication are red flags. Check Google, Better Business Bureau (BBB.org), and Angi (formerly Angie’s List).

Confirm Business Legitimacy: Search their business name on the Illinois Secretary of State’s site to see if they’re registered, and ask for a written estimate on company letterhead, not a text or handwritten note.

Watch for Red Flags: Avoid contractors who demand large upfront payments (more than one-third before work begins), refuse to sign a written contract, or use high-pressure sales tactics or say, “I can give you a deal today only.”

Here Are A Few Of The Typical Home Improvement Scams That Have Been Used In Illinois And Across The Country

If you learn that a scam is happening all over the place, you can be assured that the reason is that the scam really works for the scammers. These are some of the tried-and-true scams that have blindsided consumers, according to the BBB:

Chimney/Roof Repairs: Scammers disguised as chimney sweeps will tell you your
chimney needs to be inspected and then use hard sales tactics to get you to make
expensive, unfounded repairs.

Fake energy audits and furnace checkups: Never let anyone in your home unless you contacted and checked them out ahead of time. Be very leery of anyone who knocks on your door unsolicited.

Gutter Cleaning: Fraudulent gutter cleaners prey on the elderly or those who cannot
easily clean their gutters. They will claim they have worked in the neighborhood before
and quote you a very low estimate in return for shoddy, incomplete work.

Energy Audits/Door-to-Door Furnace Repairs: Many scammers offer a "free" energy
audit to reduce heating costs, claiming to be representatives of your local utility
company. They insist on costly upgrades for your attics, such as solar blankets or
insulation, and may or may not burglarize your home while conducting the audit.

Ductwork Cleaning: Ductwork cleaning is rarely a necessity, so take caution. Scammers are known to damage your heating system while cleaning, costing you additional repairs. This damage also may create indoor air hazards.

Pre-pay Snow Removal: The BBB has always received complaints revolving around phony snow removal services where homeowners pay up front and either the fraudsters take the money and run, or have you sign a contract that allows them to do expensive add-ons.