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    Door-to-Door Scam Defense

    A polite no, every time.

    Universal rule

    Anyone showing up unannounced asking to "inspect" your roof, solar potential, septic, water, or driveway — say no thanks and close the door. Real businesses don\'t cold-canvass neighborhoods. Reputable contractors get work through referrals and Yelp.

    The most common door-to-door scams

    "Free" roof inspection

    They climb on your roof, "find" damage (or create some), then push an insurance claim. Often results in dropped insurance and a bad/expensive repair.

    Solar panel salesperson

    High-pressure pitch about how solar will "pay for itself". Many lock you into 25-year leases that hurt resale of your home. Get 3 quotes from companies you found, never one at the door.

    Driveway sealcoating

    "We have leftover material from another job." Spray motor oil + cheap coating. Looks fine for 2 weeks, then peels.

    Tree-trimming

    Storm follow-up. Trims trees badly, demands cash up front, leaves a mess.

    Septic / water "emergency"

    "Your sewer is backing up — we can pump now for $X." Demands cash. Real plumbers come to a scheduled appointment.

    Magazine subscriptions

    "I\'m working my way through college." High prices, often never delivered.

    Religious / charity solicitors

    Some are real (they have official ID). Many are scams collecting cash. Politely decline; donate to vetted charities online instead.

    Utility "inspector"

    Real utility employees rarely show up unannounced. If unsure, ask to call the company\'s real number from your bill — they\'ll confirm.

    The polite no (memorize this)

    "I don\'t do business at the door. If your company is interested in working with me, please leave a card and I\'ll consider it after I research your reviews. Have a good day."

    Then close the door. Don\'t be drawn into "let me explain" — there\'s nothing to explain. Real contractors don\'t mind you doing your homework; scammers will keep pushing.

    Smart preventions

    • Video doorbell (Ring, Nest, Eufy) — see who\'s there before opening. Talk to them through speaker without opening.
    • "No Soliciting" sign — required to be honored in many cities.
    • Don\'t hand over ID, cash, or signed paperwork at the door, ever.
    • If they claim to be utility / city — close the door, then call the utility\'s real number to verify.

    Right after a storm, beware "storm chasers"

    After hurricanes, hail, or tornadoes, out-of-town crews flood neighborhoods. Many do shoddy or no work, demand a deposit, then disappear. ALWAYS use local contractors with a long track record.