When you think of a ‘scam’, garage doors probably don’t come to mind all that often – if ever. Unfortunately, in today’s world, there isn’t really anything that is off-limits for criminals looking to take advantage of someone. One of the newest scams is actually in our industry, which makes it even more important for us to share the information and inform our customers.

How Garage Scams Work

The worst part of this scam is that it targets those in an emergency situation – showing up in a seemingly timely fashion but racking up the price for unnecessary repairs. Here’s how it typically unfolds:

Scammers monitor online platforms such as Facebook community pages or groups where individuals typically ask for recommendations on services or repairs. They then pose as a legitimate repair technician, arriving promptly at the customer’s location. Once there, they may exaggerate the severity of the issue or invent additional problems that require immediate attention.

In some cases, they may even intentionally damage the garage door further to justify inflated repair costs. By preying on the customer’s urgency and lack of technical knowledge, these scammers exploit their vulnerability for financial gain.

Protecting Yourself Against Garage Scams

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to safeguard yourself against falling victim to these scams. Here are some tips we recommend as a family-owned, overhead garage door company with more than 25 years of experience:

• Do Your Research. It only takes a few minutes to verify the credentials of any repair technician or company before hiring them. Look for reputable businesses with positive reviews and a history of satisfied customers.
• Ask for it in Writing. Don’t hesitate to ask for a written estimate that details the scope of work and associated costs before authorizing any repairs. This can help prevent surprise charges and ensure transparency throughout the process.
• Trust Your Instincts. If something feels off or too good to be true, it likely is. Don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion or decline services if you’re uncomfortable with the proposed repairs.

Our partners at Clopay have also put together some informative videos helping customers identify potential scams and how to avoid them.

A Trusted Garage Door Company Serving Delaware County

At Suburban Overhead Doors, we prioritize honesty, integrity, and transparency in all our dealings. Our team of experienced technicians is dedicated to providing reliable and affordable garage door repair services without any hidden fees or gimmicks. If you ever find yourself in need of assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you navigate any garage door issue with confidence and peace of mind. We also guarantee repair assistance within 24 hours and have technicians on-call every day of the week.

If you’re caught in an emergency garage door situation – give us a call or schedule an estimate for garage door repair in Media.