Consumers routinely file complaints about workers who accept money for repair jobs they never finish or who fail to honor warranties on home improvement projects.

One common complaint involves a deceptive asphalt scheme. In this scam workers offer to use leftover asphalt from one job to repave your driveway. More often than not, the workers either start the job and then say it will cost hundreds or thousands more to complete it, or they will just lay black paint instead of asphalt on the driveway and leave town with your money.

Another type of home repair fraud concerns phony workers, such as anyone who offers to inspect your home for free. They may be looking for defects ranging from a leaky roof to termite or foundation damage. If they tell you damage exists, always get a second opinion before you sign a contract or agree to have any repair work done. Other con artists simply use repair come-ons to get into your home. These people usually work in groups of two or three. For example, one distracts you with a bogus furnace inspection while the others search and burglarize your home. Once they have your money and valuables they leave.

Unfortunately seniors are often prime targets for home repair fraud. The reason is simple: Half of all seniors own their own homes and most of them live in older homes. Sometimes these homes do need repair work and crafty con artists look for this situation. They usually ask for a large down payment before they begin the work, and there even have been reported cases where the repairman goes to the bank with the consumer to withdraw the money.

To avoid home repair scams, take these precautions:

• Always check workers’ credentials.
• Never let anyone into your home without first asking for identification. Representatives of utilities and reputable businesses will have proper ID. When in doubt, look up the company’s number in the phone book and call to verify the identity of the workers.
• Ask for an address and phone number if the workers tell you they are self-employed.
• If you agree work should be done, ask for an estimate in writing and tell the workers you will get back to them.
• Always get a second opinion from one or two local firms.
• Get all guarantees in writing. Ask for the names of references and call them.

Remember, if an offer is only good “now or never,” you can bet it never will be good.

With the help of a lawyer, victims of home repair fraud may be able to claim damages from the offending party.

If you are a victim of home repair fraud, contact Consumer Fraud Online to discuss your options with an attorney.