---
title: "Home Repair Scam Red Flags"
---

# Home Repair Scam Red Flags

Use with [Home Repair Scam Red Flags with AI](/articles/home-repair-scam-red-flags-with-ai).
Aligned to FTC home-improvement scam guidance (verify on FTC pages).

## What this is not

- Not a determination that a specific person is a scammer
- Not a price opinion or bid
- Not DIY emergency repair instructions
- Not legal advice
- Not the general AI scam guide (see /articles/recognising-ai-enabled-scams)

## FTC-oriented red flags (doorstep / pressure)

- [ ] "In the area" / leftover materials pitch
- [ ] Pressure for immediate decision
- [ ] Full payment up front or cash-only
- [ ] Asks you to pull required permits as a dodge
- [ ] Pushes a lender "they know"
- [ ] Blank contract spaces / rushed signing

## Before any money moves

- [ ] Written estimate with scope, materials, dates, price
- [ ] License checked via official channels
- [ ] Insurance proof requested
- [ ] Second written estimate when feasible
- [ ] No life-safety DIY from AI under panic

## AI rehearsal only

```text
Help me rehearse calm verification questions from this checklist.
Do not decide legitimacy. Do not invent prices. No DIY life-safety steps.
```

## Report

- ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- State / local consumer protection (see usa.gov/state-consumer)