With springtime comes the blossoming of flowers and, unfortunately, the blooming of lawn care scams.
While the vast majority of lawn care providers are upstanding and trustworthy, consumers must watch out for scammers who want to take their money and offer little or nothing in return.
“To protect themselves from scammers, lawn care consumers must do their homework and must always be alert,” says Ryan Farley, co-founder and chief operating officer of Austin, TX-based LawnStarter.
Here are four tips for avoiding lawn care scams.
1. Ask Friends and Neighbors About Providers They Use.
Word-of-mouth referrals are some of the best ways to find lawn care companies and other types of service providers. You also can ask the provider for customer referrals and can search the Better Business Bureau’s website for a provider’s rating and reviews.
2. Ask Questions.
Don’t just take a lawn care provider at its word. Be an assertive consumer and ask questions like “How long have you been in business?” and “Is your company a member of a professional lawn care association?”
3. Be Wary of People Door-to-Door Solicitors.
These very well could be fly-by-night operators who simply want to take your money and run. Don’t sign on the dotted line of a contract or agreement till you’ve had time to look into the business’ reputation.
4. If Possible, Pay by Credit Card Instead of Cash or Check.
This way, if a dispute arises between you and a shady lawn care provider, your credit card issuer can be an advocate for you.
