With garage door scams on the rise, here are some helpful tips for how to recognize them and protect yourself.
Warning Signs of a Scam:
- High-pressure sales tactics
- No physical address: Scammers often use generic names and do not have a real physical location.
- Unmarked Vehicles/No Uniforms
- Advertising for a FREE, or low cost initial fee. These frequently turn into a multi-thousand dollar repair.
- A claim that the entire system needs to be “Rebuilt”.
- Claim of a Lifetime Guarantee: Scammers charge an exorbitant price and justify this by offering a Lifetime Guarantee.
- Many phone calls, from different numbers, after you place the service call.
How to Protect Yourself:
- DON'T PANIC!
- Research first- DO NOT click on the first "sponsored" Google search result. Verify the company's address using Google Maps to make sure they have a real, local address. Make sure that the address claimed is what matches on their website.
- Call a reputable company for another opinion. Check with friends and neighbors for referrals.
- Get written estimates.
- Ask for creditials, like business license and proof of insurance.
Print 