Garage door repair scams are on the rise in North America. These cons have become such a widespread problem that the Better Business Bureau (BBB) published an official warning to homeowners in late 2023. Understanding the warning signs is key to avoiding these scammers and keeping your money safe.
Worried you might be dealing with an unethical garage door company? Stay safe with these helpful tips.
Table of Contents
Examples of Common Garage Door Scams
While cons can take many forms, garage door repair scams tend to follow these patterns:
- Lifetime guarantee scams: The company covers their cheap repairs under a lifetime warranty but excludes the cost of labor from that coverage. So, while you think you can replace these poor-quality parts under warranty, the company will charge you high prices for labor.
- Deceptive price scams: While the company’s advertisements promise ultra-low repair prices, they’ll make up for these costs in hidden fees like labor costs and unnecessary upgrades.
- Rebuild scams: The technician inspects your garage door and recommends a total overhaul, then marks up the bill so you pay hundreds more than the repair cost.
- Emergency repair scams: Scheduling emergency service is stressful, and scammers take advantage of that desperation to sell you more than what you need.
- Imaginary company scams: The company you call turns out to be completely fake, even though someone does come out to repair your garage. These garage door opener scams are especially problematic, as savvy con artists can convincingly mimic a trustworthy company on their website or advertising materials.
Telltale Signs of Garage Door Scams
Con artists can be slick, but there’s usually a giveaway that will alert you to the scam. Keep your eye out for these red flags:
- False company identity: Scammers often use generic or inconsistent company names to hide from authorities. Look out for discrepancies between the name on their website and advertisements.
- Fake physical address: Scam companies commonly use false addresses to prevent you from holding them accountable for their actions.
- Upfront payment: Asking for payment before arriving at your house is a major red flag.
- Lack of branding and identification: Unlike door technicians at legitimate companies, scammers often arrive at appointments in unmarked vehicles and plain clothes. They also often cannot provide proper identification.
- Unbelievable prices: If a company advertises prices that seem too good to be true, there’s a high likelihood they’ll make up for these low fees with high labor charges.
- Excessive advertising: Scam companies often spend thousands on advertising to make sure their ads are everywhere you turn. They’ll then overcharge you to make up for these costs.
- Unreasonable recommendations: A high-quality garage door will stay in good condition for many years, with the occasional repair. If your technician recommends overhauling the entire door and every part in it, be skeptical of their expertise.
How to Avoid Garage Door Scams
The first thing you should do is call the company. You can use this time to get a good read on their legitimacy by:
- Asking identifying questions: If the person on the other end does not answer with the company’s specific name, ask to confirm you’ve called the right place. A scammer may answer with the wrong name or act confused.
- Confirming their location: Plug the company’s listed address into a program like Google Maps or Apple Maps to make sure it’s there. If it appears to be in an office building or corporate plaza, or the pictures of the business at the location don’t match the company you’re calling, it’s likely a scam.
- Getting an estimate: Ask for a quote over the phone before you agree to anything. If they recommend extensive and costly repairs for a simple problem, hang up and go elsewhere.
- Checking the website: If you can find a web address for the company, take some time to explore its website. It should provide information about the company’s services and products, and you should be able to find contact information immediately.
Ultimately, it’s best to trust your gut here. If something seems off to you, there’s likely a reason you feel that way. Consider the root cause of your feelings, then determine whether it’s worth continuing with this company or finding someone new.
How to Recognize a Legit Garage Door Company
Now you know the red flags you can use to identify scammers, but what does a trustworthy dealer look like? Look for the following green flags when evaluating a garage door company:
- Credentials and memberships: While setting up your appointment, ask for credentials like proof of insurance and technician qualifications to verify identity. It can also help to look up the company’s page on the International Door Association (IDA) website to make sure they’re a member.
- Reviews and history: Legitimate companies like Easy Open Door are typically well-established in the area, with a long list of previous customers. Check reviews on sites like the BBB, Houzz, Angi and Facebook to see the company’s history and experience.
- Consistent branding: A legitimate company will use the same company name, logo, brand colors and tone in all customer touchpoints, including advertisements, customer communications and web and social media content.
- Professionalism: Honest garage door companies don’t just want to fix your problems and disappear — they want to build a working relationship with their customers. The company should always try to come across as professional online, over the phone and in person.
- Transparency: Scammers prey on a lack of knowledge and will do their best to hide important information from you. A legit garage door dealer will answer your questions clearly and provide additional resources so you know what you’re paying for.
At Easy Open Door, we’re here for you. Our expert team walks you through every step of the repair and maintenance process, ensuring you fully understand our recommendations.
We also want to help our audience understand the ins and outs of the garage door industry — that’s why we regularly update our blog with informative articles like our guide to garage door replacement parts and our tips for dealing with rust on your door. You can count on us to be there for you whether you need a simple repair or you’re thinking of replacing your door.
Trust Easy Open Door With Your Next Installation or Repair
Are you looking for a reliable garage door company in the greater San Diego area? As a Master Authorized Clopay dealer with 13 consecutive Angi Super Service Awards, Easy Open Door has developed a reputation as one of the area’s top dealers.
We’re committed to more than providing top-quality service — we also want to make sure our customers have the resources needed to make an informed decision. Contact us today to request a service appointment, and read our blog to learn more about our industry.
