The Growing Problem of Trade Service Scams
In today's digital age, finding someone to help with home repairs, installations, or moving services is easier than ever. Unfortunately, this convenience has also created opportunities for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners. From fake movers who hold belongings hostage for additional fees to handymen who collect deposits and disappear, trade service scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, complaints about home improvement scams increased by 31% in recent years, with the average victim losing over $1,500. These scams not only cost money but can leave homes in worse condition and create safety hazards.
Common Red Flags to Watch For
Before hiring any tradesperson, be alert to these warning signs that might indicate a potential scam:
1. Pressure Tactics and Urgency
- Pushing for immediate decisions
- Claiming "special pricing" that expires immediately and/or is well below market rates
- Creating false emergencies about your home's condition
2. Payment and Contract Issues
- Demanding full payment upfront
- Insisting on cash-only transactions
- Reluctance to provide written estimates or contracts
- Vague pricing with numerous potential add-ons
3. Credential and Identity Concerns
- Limited or non-existent online presence (website, socials, blogs, etc.)
- Unmarked vehicles or temporary/magnetic business signs
- Inability to provide license numbers or insurance information
4. Moving-Specific Scam Tactics
- Providing estimates without seeing your belongings
- Dramatic price increases on moving day
- Holding items "hostage" until additional high fees are paid, plus charging "storage fees"
- Using rental trucks rather than company-branded vehicles
Vetting Strategies for Homeowners
Research Their Online Presence
A legitimate business typically maintains a professional online presence. Look for:
- A professional website with detailed services and contact information
- Company images include realistic projects and faces of workers (not just random impersonal images)
- Consistent business information across platforms
- Recent, authentic customer reviews on multiple platforms
- Active social media accounts with engagement
Verify Credentials and Insurance
- Request license numbers and verify them with local authorities
- Confirm current liability insurance, worker's compensation coverage, and licensing (if applicable)
- Verify how long they've been in business under their current name
Check Better Business Bureau (BBB) Listings
The Better Business Bureau remains a valuable resource for vetting service providers:
- Look for businesses with BBB accreditation, which requires meeting standards for trust
- Review their letter rating (A+ through F) based on complaint history and resolution
- Read customer reviews and complaint details
- Check how long they've been BBB accredited
- Note how the company responds to negative reviews or complaints
Get Multiple Detailed Estimates
- Obtain at least three written estimates for comparison
- Ensure estimates include specific materials, timeline, and payment schedule
- Be wary of estimates significantly lower than local market rates
- Ask for explanations of price differences between competitors
Creating a Solid Contract
A proper contract protects both parties and should include:
- Detailed scope of work with specific materials and brands
- Clear timeline with start and completion dates
- Payment schedule tied to completion milestones, not calendar dates
- Procedure for handling unexpected issues or changes
- Warranty information for both labor and materials
- Proof of permits and inspections where required
- Cleanup and debris removal responsibilities
- Cancellation terms and dispute resolution process
Payment Best Practices
How you pay can provide additional protection:
- Never pay the full amount upfront
- Limit initial deposits to 10-30% of the total project cost
- Tie payments to completion of specific project milestones
- Use credit cards when possible for additional fraud protection
- Get receipts for all payments
- Maintain a payment log with dates and amounts
- Consider using escrow services for larger projects
Special Considerations for Moving Services
Moving scams can be particularly devastating as they may involve all your possessions:
- Verify the mover's Department of Transportation number
- Ensure they provide a "Bill of Lading" before loading begins
- Understand the difference between binding and non-binding estimates
- Document valuable items with photos before the move
- Be present during loading and unloading
- Understand your rights under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations
What to Do If You've Been Scammed
If you believe you've fallen victim to a trade service scam:
- Document everything with photos, videos, and written records
- File a police report, especially if significant money was lost
- Report the incident to your state's consumer protection office
- File complaints with the BBB and Federal Trade Commission
- Consider small claims court for amounts within jurisdictional limits
- Alert others by posting detailed, factual reviews online
- Contact local news consumer advocates who often investigate such cases
Trust Redhawk Handyman Services: Your Reliable Oklahoma City Solution
When you need trustworthy, professional handyman and installation services in the Oklahoma City metro area, Redhawk Handyman Services stands apart from potential scammers:
- Fully licensed and insured with documentation readily available
- BBB accredited with an excellent track record of customer satisfaction
- Transparent pricing with detailed written free estimates before work begins
- Established local presence serving OKC, Edmond, Norman, and surrounding communities
- Specialized expertise in art and mirror installation, furniture assembly, and home repairs
- Verified reviews from satisfied customers throughout the metro area
- Professional staff usually arrive in marked vehicles and provide identification, especially for movers who should own moving trucks
Scammers are also working on Tradesmen
As owner of Redhawk Handyman Services in Norman, OK has witnessed, scammers contact his business too. He states, "they usually ask if we accept checks, Chime, or Zelle, which are initial red flags." "They seldom openly share any company information and just use a first name." Owner, Bryan Timsah adds, "these scammers will intice tradesmen with high payouts. But, once I demand verifiable company information, they usually flee."
At Redhawk Handyman Services, we understand that avoiding scammers is a major concern in 2025 and beyond. Plus, inviting someone into your home requires trust. That's why we maintain the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and respect on every project, whether it's hanging a single piece of artwork or completing multiple installations or assembly projects throughout your home.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation estimate and experience the peace of mind that comes from working with Oklahoma City's trusted handyman service. Check us out on BBB too!
This article is provided as educational information for homeowners and is not intended as legal advice. Laws regarding contractors and service providers vary by location. Always consult local regulations when hiring tradespeople.