As the crisp autumn air sets in and homeowners prepare for the colder months, you become easy targets for door-to-door scam artists. Scammers exploit seasonal changes to offer fake services to enter your home or obtain personal and financial information. The pandemic has fueled the rise of home improvement fraud, with the FTC receiving over 63,000 home improvement-related complaints in 2023 alone, a 14% increase from the previous year.

Common Services Target

Chimney or gutter cleanup

Leaf pickup

Furnace tuneup

Duct Cleaning

Window sales

School fundraisers

Cleaning product sales

Election polling

While some visitors may be legitimate, high-pressure tactics, such as urging you to sign up for services on the spot, are immediate red flags. In 2023, over 10% of  Americans reported being victims of home improvement scams.

Signs of a Scam Artist

Scam artists typically target older adults, but no one is immune. Always ask for identification and verify permits to protect yourself, especially since many communities have strict regulations against door-to-door solicitation. If something feels off, shut the door and verify with local authorities.

Current Trends in Door-to-Door Scams

The following are prevalent scams, as reported by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC):

Scammers claim to be from your local utility, often stating they need immediate access to your home. Utility companies never send workers unannounced and always bill for service calls later.

Offering a free energy audit is a common ploy. Scammers may recommend expensive, unnecessary improvements or even damage your property to charge for repairs.

If someone offers a suspiciously low quote for fall cleanups, beware. They may ask for a deposit and later demand more, claiming the job was more complex than expected.

In 2023, charity fraud surged, with scammers exploiting donations for veterans, police, fire departments, or disaster relief. Ensure the charity is legitimate by checking organizations like GuideStar.

With the 2024 election season underway, beware of pollsters or canvassers asking for personal information. Legitimate workers won’t request sensitive data or push you to register onsite.

Scammers may pose as delivery workers and request a verification fee or a credit card payment for an unexpected package. In 2023, reports of delivery scams increased by 17%.

How to Protect Yourself

In this climate of rising fraud, the best way to protect yourself is to be vigilant. Never invite someone into your home if you’re unsure of their identity, and avoid giving out personal information. If you feel pressured, close the door and contact authorities. Scammers often rely on confusion and urgency, so taking your time can help you avoid being caught off guard.

Online Resources

AARP Scams & Fraud Resources

Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Tracker

Ohio Attorney General – Report a Scam

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