Home improvement fraud cost Americans over $500 million in 2025 alone. The FTC reports it as one of the fastest-growing fraud categories. Here's what to watch for.
The Door-Knock Scam
Fraudulent contractors show up after storms or disasters offering discounted work. They take a deposit and disappear. Always require a license number and verify it independently — never rely on a card they hand you.
How to Vet a Contractor
- Search their business name on your state's contractor licensing database.
- Run a ProofReports check to verify state registration and Google reviews.
- Ask for proof of general liability and workers' compensation insurance.
- Never pay more than 10–30% upfront.
- Get everything in writing — scope, price, timeline, warranty.
Verify a Business Now
Run a full ProofScore check on any U.S. business in seconds.
Search a Business →