Page 8 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, July 29, 2022 T BBB Scam: If your driveway needs paving or repairs, don’t trust just anyone to do the job. Once the transaction is comhe Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Tracker has numerous reports of unscrupulous contractors who trick homeowners with supposedly good deals. Homeowners end up with shoddy pavement – or nothing at all – to show for what they paid and, in some cases, have lost over $8,000 in the process. How the scam works A contractor leaves a pamphlet or shows up at the door. They claim they’ve been doing work in the area and just happened to notice the condition of your driveway or sidewalk. Since they’re already working nearby, they can give you a discount. If the price is agreeable, they will then ask for a large percentage of the fee upfront. There is some hesitancy if there is a question on the price or details about the business and its location. plete, the scam contractor might disappear altogether. The contact number or email might not work, quickly helping you realize that the contact information was a sham. If you protest, the contractor might use intimidation tactics, such as threatening a lawsuit, to convince you to pay up. In other cases, once complete, the contractor's work is shoddy and unprofessional, but the Malden, let us wrap your home in energy savings all year round. full payment has been made. Reaching the company that the contractor allegedly represented is impossible, or the contractor pretended to be from another company. In any of these scenarios, the chances of getting a refund or the work fixed are slim. How to avoid contractor scams Be wary of unsolicited offers. Most scams involving contractors begin when a random contractor tries to go out of their way to offer an estimate that was never requested. Research companies and contractors before you hire. Start with BBB.org. If the contractor has multiple negative reviews and complaints, don’t hire them. Often, a simple internet search will reveal companies or individuals SCAM| SEE PAGE 22 As a part of National Grid’s Community First partnership, Malden residents are eligible to save 75% or more on approved insulation and no-cost air sealing. Just think of insulation as a comfortable sweater for your home keeping the air you want in and air sealing as a jacket keeping dust and allergens out. Air sealing and insulation work together to save energy all year long. This program will help residents like you: Better manage energy use. Increase comfort all year long. To get started, schedule your no-cost Home Energy Assessment today. Learn more at masssave.com/malden or call 1-866-527-SAVE (7283) Make your home more environmentally friendly. Keep out dust and allergens. Everett Aluminum 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Owned & operated by the Conti family since 1958 • 57 Years! family since 1958 • 64 “Same name, phone number & address for over half a century. We must be doing something right!” •Vinyl Siding •Free Estimates •Carpentry Work •Fully Licensed •Decks •Roofing • Fully Insured • Replacement Windows www.everettaluminum.com Now’s the time to schedule those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about all winter! Summer is Here!
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