Posted in The Sun
by President Dan Parsons of the Better Business Bureau

Well, readers, spring is almost upon us and a new season marks a new direction for scams and advice from the BBB. Why do these run in cycles? I don't know, maybe in this new season the bad guys and gals have run out of ill-gotten monies fleeced during the Holidays. But, on to the list!

Home Improvement - OK, certianly not a scam in the broad category by itself, but you will have among contractors, lawn and garden businesses, and the like, all kinds of companies. This, folks, is the time to use the BBB! Look for good BBB ratings, as in the "A" or "B" range. Or better yet, with "Accredited Business" of the BBB. Watch a "C" rating closely and send a "D" or "F" company back to their truck!

Now, what if there is NO BBB report? Caution again is the word of the day. It means we do not have any information. That can be good - they have been operating complaint-free. Or, it can mean they still have an out of state license on the back of their trailer and a sea of "Cops"-type folks chasing them! Get proof of their time in the area. Check the phone book - are they in it? Get valid references, from say, a few years back. And check them. Ask for some credit references as well.

Pools - This is the time a lot of pool companies will offer sweet deals to get you swimming when that mercury reaches 90 or so! And besides the tips above, take notice that this is the ONLY industry in which the BBB does not accept Accreditation until we have proof of two full pool seasons at work. There is a reason for that - big holes in yards with money gone. It happens every year. And make sure the pool contractor does not have a history of not paying its suppliers. Liens on one's property are nasty! There are some great pool firms - do your homework.

Door to Door - Try this simple philosophical question when you are solicited "cold" while raking your yard. If this is such a good business, how come they have to single you out instead of being out on the job? Good contractors may take some time to book and get you on "the list." That is not all bad - it means that they are in demand. As for telemarketing, it's used a lot but check that BBB report.

And watch for the scammer whose personal pitch is to show you a "piece" of your damaged roof that was on the lawn. Uh, no, it was there with 10 or so other pieces of different style, in the back of his truck waiting for someone to fall for the "emergency repair" ploy!

Driveway "deals" - "Hey, we were out on another job and have this paving material that I need to get used up...want a deal?" And if our complaint files are any indication, what you will get is material that has a bunch of junk and garbage mixed into it, and then a bill for what a real quality job would be. And do not bother to call them to complain. That cell number on the card is out of service by now!

Enjoy the new season, just do it with your research done first!