BEWARE! Home Repair Scam EXPOSED! 🚨 #ASF

BEWARE! Home Repair Scam EXPOSED! 🚨

Scammers are using fake repair services to steal your appliances & money! They advertise online with professional-looking profiles, fake reviews, and unbelievably low prices to lure victims. Once inside your home, they either take your appliance for “repairs” and disappear or charge for fake fixes. Some even pose a serious physical threat!

How It Works:

1. Initial Advertising:
   • Multiple Platforms & Ads: Scammers often advertise their repair services across a wide range of platforms: social media, local classified websites, even WhatsApp groups, and community boards. They create professional-looking posts with logos, credentials, and “before and after” photos of their work to build credibility.
   • Unbelievably Low Prices: They lure victims with shockingly low prices—often far below the going rate for repairs. This is designed to catch the eye of someone needing quick and affordable service for home appliances like air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators, etc.
2. Creating Fake Legitimacy:
   • Polished Profiles & Reviews: Scammers often create fake business profiles and reviews to appear legitimate. They post false testimonials from non-existent clients, ensuring their reputation seems trustworthy. Sometimes, they even borrow images and reviews from established, reputable repair businesses to make their profiles appear credible.
   • Imitating Established Brands: To seem even more trustworthy, some scammers use names or logos that resemble established, respected repair companies. This can make their services seem official and reliable.
3. Engaging with Customers:
   • Prompt and Professional Communication: Upon contact, scammers maintain professional, reassuring tones. They might even provide fake business registration details and certifications on request. Their communication style is clear and efficient, adding to their sense of legitimacy.
   • Pressure Tactics: They often pressure the customer into booking the service immediately, playing on urgency (e.g., claiming they have a limited time offer or that the issue is urgent and must be fixed quickly to avoid further damage).
4. On-Site Visit:
   • Professional Appearance: The scammer arrives on time, often dressed in a uniform with a company logo (which may be fake). They carry tools that appear genuine and act like trained professionals. Their knowledge of basic appliance repair seems convincing.
   • Deceptive Tactics: They inspect the appliance and suggest that it either needs to be removed for a more thorough repair, or in some cases, claim that an additional part is needed immediately. The scammer may even take the appliance apart slightly to give the impression that it needs major repairs.
5. The Theft or Fraudulent Repair:
   • Taking the Appliance: If the scammer suggests that the appliance needs to be taken for “repair,” they often ask for permission to remove it, under the guise of needing to bring it to their workshop. They reassure the customer that the repair will be done quickly, sometimes offering to return it in a few hours or the next day.
   • Ghosting the Customer: Once they have possession of the appliance, the scammer disappears. They either sell the appliance or keep it for personal use. If the appliance is not taken, they might offer a fraudulent “repair service,” promising results that never come. In many cases, they simply stop answering calls or texts after payment has been made.
6. Manipulation of Trust:
   • Emotionally Targeting Vulnerability: These scammers often target people who are elderly, busy professionals, or anyone going through personal stress, making them more likely to trust the scammer’s seemingly professional demeanor and words of assurance.
   • Exploitation of Convenience: Many victims don’t realize the importance of vetting professionals, and scammers exploit this, providing convenience and low prices that make the scam seem attractive. The promise of quick, inexpensive fixes lures people into a false sense of security.

Consequences:

• Loss of Property: Victims lose valuable home appliances, including refrigerators, air conditioners, or washing machines, which may never be returned.
• Financial Loss: Victims are often convinced to pay upfront for “parts” or “service fees” that are completely fabricated. In some cases, additional charges may be demanded after the appliance is taken.
• Increased Vulnerability: Scammers not only steal appliances, but they also gain access to the victim’s home. They may use the opportunity to steal other valuables or cause damage.

Red Flags:

• Unreasonably Low Prices: If the quoted price for repairs is dramatically lower than market rates, it’s a significant red flag.
• Fake Reviews & Overly Professional Profiles: Scammers go to great lengths to create fake online reviews, professional-looking websites, and fabricated company histories. If the service provider doesn’t have a consistent presence or verifiable reviews, be cautious.
• Pressure to Pay Upfront: If the repair specialist demands a deposit or full payment before any work is done, this is a red flag. Legitimate professionals typically only request payment after the service is completed.
• No Physical Business Address or License: A legitimate company will have a verifiable business address, physical presence, and licensed technicians. Always ask for these details and verify them.
• Lack of Written Agreement: Scammers may avoid providing a written contract or estimate. Ensure that all terms, costs, and the scope of work are clearly outlined before proceeding.

How to Avoid This Scam:

1. Check for Legitimate Reviews: Use trusted platforms like Google reviews or Better Business Bureau to verify any repair service’s reputation. Look for verified reviews from real customers.
2. Ask for Identification and Business Details: Always request identification, and verify the company’s credentials. A legitimate company will not hesitate to provide proof of licensing and their physical business address.
3. Use Established Platforms: Only hire repair professionals from trusted sources, such as licensed websites or apps that provide user reviews and offer guarantees on services.
4. Don’t Pay Until the Job is Complete: Avoid paying upfront or agreeing to high deposits. Legitimate professionals will invoice you after the work is completed to your satisfaction.
5. Get Everything in Writing: Always ensure that you have a clear, written contract or service order before the technician arrives. This should include the scope of work, payment terms, and the expected timeline for completion.

Key Takeaway:

Hiring a fake handyman or repair specialist can escalate into life-threatening situations, as scammers may not only steal your appliances but also put you at serious physical risk. These fraudsters often enter your home under the guise of professionals, and once inside, they can exploit the opportunity to attack or harm you. In extreme cases, scammers have been known to use their trusted access to rob, assault, or even kidnap victims. The danger isn’t just limited to theft—it extends to personal safety and security. Always ensure you thoroughly vet anyone entering your home, as these criminals can be far more dangerous than they initially appear.

This scam is sophisticated, with scammers using every trick in the book to appear legitimate—right down to professional-looking profiles, fake reviews, and pressure tactics. To avoid falling victim, it’s essential to always verify the service provider’s legitimacy, never rush into decisions, and remain vigilant when dealing with service providers you find online.

🚨 Don’t be the next victim! Share this video and help others stay safe from repair scam.

🔔 Subscribe to our channel for weekly cyber safety tips and updates. Stay cyber smart, stay cyber strong! 💪

 

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat!

 

#CyberCrime #ScamAlert

 

 

CONTACT US:

Website: www.AkanchaSrivastava.Org

Email: TeamAkancha@gmail.com

Twitter: @AkanchaS

https://twitter.com/AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

https://www.instagram.com/akanchas/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/akanchasrivastava1

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/akanchasrivastava/

 

 

ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

The Akancha Srivastava Foundation is India’s leading social impact initiative dedicated to advancing cyber safety awareness and education. Established in February 2017, this not-for-profit Section 8 organization is a trusted voice in promoting safe online practices across the nation.

Distinguished Board of Advisors
Guided by an honorary advisory board of esteemed leaders:

• Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chhattisgarh Police)
• ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh Police)
• ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra Police)
• Dr. Poonam Verma (Principal, SSCBS, Delhi University)

Our Mission

The Foundation is committed to educating, empowering, and building bridges between the public and authorities on critical cyber safety issues. Additionally, we specialize in forensics training for law enforcement, equipping them with the skills needed to tackle cybercrime effectively.