WAYS TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM OF FRAUD
The information on this page is provided by Jeff Tomczak, Will County
State's Attorney, and Dick Siegel, Chief, Consumer Fraud Unit.
Protection from Consumer Fraud - Important Phone Numbers and Web sites
WAYS TO AVOID HOME REPAIR SCAMS
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN CONSIDERING A CONTRACTOR FOR HOME REPAIRS.
- ALWAYS suspect a lower price than you expected. Why are they doing
YOU this
special favor??
- ALWAYS get several estimates.
- ALWAYS ask friends or relatives for recommendations.
4. ALWAYS check with the Better Business Bureau before signing
a contract.
- ALWAYS insist on obtaining in writing
A
completion date;
The
total cost of the job;
Whether or not if the work will be subcontracted to other;
Whether
or not the contractor will post a bond;
A
full description of the materials to be used;
Whether
or not the contractor is licensed and where he/she is licensed;
The name
of the municipality or government agency which has licensed the contractor;
Everything which is promised - a verbal promise is often worthless;
- ALWAYS pay by check or money order - NEVER PAY BY CASH.
- ALWAYS make payments in pre-determined installments-
1/3
down payment;
1/3
near completion;
1/3
when totally finished;
make
sure this payment arrangement is in the contract too.
Finally,
TRUST YOUR OWN GOOD COMMON SENSE. Do not allow yourself to be pressured into
signing a contract. If it is a great deal today, it will still be a great
deal tomorrow.
PROTECTION FROM CONSUMER FRAUD
THINGS TO REMEMBER
Telephone Use
Never dial 90# for anyone - it gives
them control over your phone.
Don't make 900 area code phone calls.
Never give out your mother's maiden name, your social security number or
credit card number to anyone who calls you.
Computer
Safety
Disable
cookies from browser.
For Web browsing security, use www.anonymizer.com.
General
Keep as little
as possible in your wallet /purse.
Make a copy of all credit card numbers and keep it in a safe place - not in
a wallet.
Remove your name from pre-screened marketing lists.
Order an annual credit report.
Immediately notify banks and credit card companies if your wallet
and/or checkbook are stolen.
Consider Privacy Manager for your telephone line.
IMPORTANT
PHONE NUMBERS AND WEB SITES
4/1/02 JT
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Today is Tuesday the 16th of March, 2010