Rockford BBB Warns Of Springtime Scams Coming Your Way

As winter starts to fade and warmer weather begins its return to Northern Illinois, there’s something else arriving right alongside spring.

Scam artists (not that they ever left to begin with).

According to the Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau (BBB), springtime is one of the busiest seasons for fraud, and for good reason. Homeowners are stepping outside after months of cold, noticing damage, planning upgrades, and getting ready to tackle long-delayed projects.

Unfortunately, scammers know that too.

Dennis Horton, Senior Director of the Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau:

Spring is prime time for scammers. Con artists know homeowners are thinking about repairs, landscaping, and home improvements after winter. They take advantage of that urgency to get inside your home and your wallet.

Those Storms We've Experienced Recently Have Only Added Fuel To The Problem

High winds, melting snow, and the freeze-thaw cycle can all reveal issues with roofs, siding, foundations, and plumbing, and also create the perfect opening for so-called “storm-chasing” contractors.

Dennis Horton:

Storm-chasing contractors often appear immediately after severe weather. While many legitimate companies provide valuable services, scammers move quickly into damaged neighborhoods hoping homeowners will make rushed decisions.

The numbers back up what he's saying. In 2025 alone, consumers in Chicago and Northern Illinois reported more than 1,600 home improvement scams, with losses topping $6 million. And early reports in 2026 show the trend is absolutely continuing.

Scammers may show up at your door, send texts, run social media ads, or even pose as utility workers or security installers. No matter how they reach you, the goal is to pressure you into making a quick decision.

How Can You Tell Who's Legit, And What Should You Watch For?

The BBB says there are some clear warning signs to watch for.

Be cautious of anyone using high-pressure tactics, asking for large upfront payments, or showing up uninvited claiming they “noticed you've got some damage.” Always get multiple written estimates, verify contractor credentials, and never let strangers into your home without confirming who they are.

The bottom line is that for every season, there’s a scam, and spring might be one of the busiest of all. Taking a few extra minutes to research before you hire could save you thousands and thousands of dollars.