Better Business Bureau Warned of Home Repair Scams

Chicago homeowners should be wary of uninvited contractors offering quick fixes for roofs, chimneys, or heating systems.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Home Repair

Bold vector editorial illustration of a weathered brick chimney and gutter, representing the risk of residential home repair scams. — The Better Business Bureau is alerting Chicago residents to watch for uninvited contractors targeting roofs and chimneys with high-pressure home repair scams. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Better Business Bureau recently issued a warning about door-to-door home improvement scams targeting residents. These schemes frequently involve unsolicited offers for roof, chimney, gutter, and furnace repairs.

Why it matters

Fraudsters often use high-pressure tactics and demand upfront cash payments, especially as seasonal shifts begin. These scams currently represent the fifth riskiest consumer threat, often resulting in significant financial losses for families.

Home improvement scams rank as the fifth most risky category for consumers. The median financial loss associated with these deceptive practices is $1,405.

The players

Better Business Bureau

A private, non-profit organization that tracks business reliability and issues consumer alerts regarding marketplace fraud and scams.

The details

Scammers typically arrive uninvited at a home to offer repair services for critical systems like chimneys or furnaces. They often rely on high-pressure sales tactics to force quick decisions and demand cash payments before work begins. Homeowners should never feel pressured into allowing unvetted workers to handle electrical, gas, or structural repairs.

September 2026: The Better Business Bureau issued the seasonal warning.

The Home Front

Home improvement scams remain a persistent challenge that ranks among the top five most frequent consumer threats. This warning follows a established pattern where fraudsters exploit seasonal transitions to target homeowners seeking maintenance.

Be cautious of any individual arriving at your door offering immediate repair services for your roof, chimney, or furnace. If you require maintenance, contact a licensed professional directly through verified references rather than working with uninvited door-to-door solicitors.

The takeaway

Scams flourish during seasonal transitions when homeowners are likely to notice needed repairs. Always verify the identity of any service provider and never pay cash up front for home maintenance work.