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How to Spot and Avoid a Dishonest Contractor

The major red flags of potential rip-offs and scams that you should look out for.

Updated on

May 14, 2019

It is advisable to pay for goods and services on delivery. PHOTO | COURTESY

Although the marketplace is full of honest and reputable service providers, there exist a few fraudulent contractors out there looking to steal money from unsuspecting customers.

The following are the major red flags of potential rip-offs and scams that you should look out for before hiring a contractor to avoid falling into the hands of deceitful service providers.

Amazing deals

It probably is if a deal seems unrealistic or too good to be true.

Be wary of free merchandise and very low-priced offers since it is not affordable and sustainable for genuine businesses to give away pricey goods.

Free things are rare; if you are promised something for nothing, you will get nothing more often than not.

High-pressure sales

Con artists do not want to give you time to think the deal through.

If a person requires an immediate decision and puts too much pressure on you to finalize the deal or else you lose out, increase your level of caution.

Do not be in a haste to pay for something you do not fully understand and do not assume the information being provided is true.

Scanty details

Before making any purchases, it is important to do your due diligence on the company and the goods or services they are offering.

If the company is not willing to provide the information you are looking for such as their licensing, contacts and references, and gives you evasive answers to your questions or declarations you have no way of verifying, walk away.

Upfront payment

It is advisable to pay for goods and services on delivery.

A person who insists on payment before they can provide what you are looking for might be sure you will not like what they are offering and hence refuse to pay for it or they might have no intention of delivering the merchandise at all.

Verbal communication

When buying anything, it is important to have everything in writing for future reference.

A company that insists on phone calls instead of emails might be looking for an easy way out if something goes wrong.

Do not rely on verbal promises. Instead, let the company communicate in writing all the terms and the recourse you have if you are unsatisfied with their goods or services.