TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- A bit "extra" is usually a good thing, but when a contractor shows up at your house with extra materials left over from a nearby job and says he can make you a great deal, you should say "No Thanks" extra quick! Here's more in this Angie's List report.
Maryanna Phillips was at her home when two workers pulled up, and said they could seal-coat her cracked driveway for $300 with materials left over from a job down the street.
"They made me feel bad. The lady had been in a wreck. She had stitches all over her head and I'm like 'Go, just do it," she recalls.
The job was sloppy. Decorative stone and yard ornaments were sprayed with sealant. And excess asphalt was dumped on the street and splashed onto Phillips' car, causing more than $1,200 in damage. She immediately tried to stop payment on her check, but it was too late.
"Unfortunately, we live in a world where you just can't really trust a lot of people, so you need to check people out before you hire 'em out to do a job," said Phillips.
Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List, adds: "It's sad, but there are unscrupulous contractors out there, so you as a consumer need to beware. Be cautious of anyone that comes to your home and tries to encourage you to take a deal on the spot. A deal today should be a deal tomorrow."
Phillips has her guard back up, but says if she can get scammed, anyone can.
"I know better than this. I used to take calls all day, every day with people who got scammed just like this. Like I said, I know better. She played on my heart," she said.
Quality contractors don't approach homeowners with left-over materials and a special, low price. If an uninvited worker won't leave when asked, call local authorities and stay inside.
Remember you can catch the latest Angie's List report every Tuesday morning on WTXL Sunrise.
