The temperature’s rising and scam artists are out to play. With consumers powering on the AC and contemplating home improvements, culprits looking to make an extra dollar have tailored the perfect deals to reel you in. In addition to home repairs, summer is also the perfect time for some vacations. Summer’s just around the corner, so we at Scambook urge you to take the necessary steps to enjoy the warm season without any financial hiccups.
Solar energy scams appear to be the most costly of them all. The targets for solar energy scams are usually people who aren’t too familiar with them, which is most of us. Shield yourself against getting conned into what can be a five-figure loss, and research everything about solar energy from how it works to how you can benefit from it.
– Learn how solar energy works. You may not even need it depending on where you live and how often you use your utilities.
– Solar energy panels are usually installed on your roof. Make sure it’s in good shape before considering installing any solar panels.
– Do the math. See if the cost of implementing solar energy in your home will save you money in the long run.
Home improvements are on everyone’s to-do list. Simply put, it’s very expensive, and before you know it you’re digging deeper into your pocket. If you stumble upon a deal sparkling with discounts, don’t get too excited – it may be too good to be true. Here are some tips before making a home improvement decision.
– Get referrals from your friends who have made home improvements. Better to have someone working on your home who your friends have trusted, than a stranger with a good deal on a silver platter.
– Don’t accept offers for a home improvement loan from someone not affiliated with a bank or trusted financial institution. The contractor may be swindling you into a high interest rate plan.
– Have a leaky roof? Scammers target people who need a quick fixer upper, so they advertise through sites like Craigslist and offer a low price for a shabby job. These quick fixing jobs usually include painting, plumbing, etc.
Vacation scams come in a variety of services, such as car and vacation home rentals and tour guides.
– Don’t let car rental clerks persuade you into services you never thought you needed such as car upgrades, doubling up on insurance and gas. Don’t pay for the vehicle upgrade if what you reserved isn’t available, fill up your tank at a gas station and read the fine lines of the insurance policies offered to you.
– When reserving a hotel or home for your vacation, pay with a credit card. Credit card companies usually have a dispute department that handles cases of unauthorized or fraudulent charges.
– Do your homework. Look up the property you plan on renting, and make sure it really exists. Also, make sure you’re researching a reputable website.
– If the homeowner asks you for cash upfront, mark him off your list. Renters worthy of suspicion will usually ask for a wire transfer to serve as a security deposit.
If you’ve had a nightmare experience with home improvements or vacations, please let us know by submitting a complaint here.
See Also
6 Tips to Beat the Heat without Costly Air Conditioning
Travel Tips: How To Get the Most Out of Your Flight and Save Money
Careful: Summer Travel Scams
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