Scam Tactics of Other Garage Companies

Here's how garage door repair scams "may" use Google:

Scam Tactics

1. Fake Google Ads: Scammers create fake Google Ads, posing as legitimate garage door repair companies to attract victims.
2. Keyword manipulation: Scammers utilize relevant keywords like "emergency garage door repair" or "garage door repair near me" to appear at the top of search results.
3. Fake online reviews: Scammers forge online reviews on Google My Business or other review platforms to build credibility.
4. Misleading websites: Scammers design professional-looking websites, often with stolen content, to seem legitimate.

Red Flags

1. Unrealistic promises: Be cautious of companies offering unusually fast or inexpensive repairs.
2. Lack of transparency: Legitimate businesses will offer clear pricing and service details.
3. Poor grammar or spelling: Scam websites frequently exhibit grammatical or spelling mistakes.
4. No physical address: Legitimate businesses typically have a physical address, not merely a PO box.

Protecting Yourself

1. Verify the company: Confirm the company's physical address, licenses, and accreditations.
2. Check online reviews: Investigate the company across various review platforms, seeking consistent ratings and feedback.
3. Get multiple quotes: Assess prices and services from multiple businesses.
4. Be wary of unsolicited calls: Genuine companies don't usually contact you without prior engagement.

Reporting Scams

1. Google Support: Report dubious ads or business listings to Google Support.
2. Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Lodge a complaint with the FTC online or call 1-877-FTC-HELP ((559) 527-0739).
3. Local consumer protection agencies: Report scam incidents to your local consumer protection agency.

My little old lady of a wife was scammed by a 24 hour emergency garage door repair service. Here's what happened and the information on the scammers: On June 30, my wife was on her way to church and backed into the garage door while pulling out. Bent the door and blasted it off the track and bent the rollers. My wife was given a number by a relation of hers for a 24 hour emergency garage door repair number off Google. Naturally, they were con artists, scammers. A guy showed up and per my wife’s call to me, the estimate to fix was just about $1,000. I figured it would be around that so okay. Later that day after I got home, I looked at the receipt and it was for $1929. I’m working with the credit card company on that but my wife only had a phone and email. The work done was pretty poor too. Not surprisingly, on July 26, the garage door won’t open. I check it and turns out the lift cables have come off the lift drums. Long story short, I called the scammers to see what would happen and see if I could get more information about them. Here’s is what I have on the scammers: Tom is the boss/coordinator and his phone is (559) 527-0739, and email is tommgmt2022@gmail.com

The laborer is named Leon and his phone is (559) 527-0739. I called and texted Tom and advised the door needs repaired and it shouldn’t cost me since the work should still be guaranteed. He advised someone would be at our house to fix within 24 hours. Eventually, on July 30 at about 3:30PM, Leon showed up. I talked to him and that is how I got his and Tom’s name. Also that they were from Israel and Leon had only been in the area for a short time. The truck he arrived in had no company name or info on it. Always a bad sign. I asked if Leon had a business card or any stationary with his company information on it. His reply, he didn’t have any. Another bad sign. The company didn’t even have a name. Third bad sign. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the license plate number off the truck. He started working and showed me the cables and lift drums and advised they were pretty old and worn. He could replace them, no labor charge, for $600 for the parts. Or just replace the cables for $450! I told him just fix the door, which he did though I suspect he might have done some damage to the cables or hardware in an attempt to have the door fail again and maybe come back to scam us some more. After he left, I checked the prices at Home Depot and the lift drums, from Clopay, list for about $6 each and a pair of cables list for about $15! I hope you can pet a stop to these people

Navigating the Treacherous Terrain of Garage Door Repair Scams.

Beware the garage door repair landscape—a minefield of cons waiting to ensnare unwary homeowners. Swindles are not only rampant but craftily disguised, sometimes behind the addresses of eateries, gas stations, or ghost buildings. An alarming lack of transparency still lures many into falling for charming lies. Investigations have revealed disturbing layers, uncovering dens of unlicensed, unscrupulous technicians tarnishing a regulated industry. They lure you with rock-bottom rates, but this façade of affordability hides the bitter truth of poor repairs and lasting hazards. Do not allow the allure of initial savings to lead you to greater expenses and danger. Homeowners often face the turmoil of a jammed garage door and are sucked into the fraud vortex by benign repair services. This story repeats itself, emphasizing the desperate need for consumer awareness and aggressive regulation to quell this growing wildfire of retail fraud.

Scammer Schemes: A Cunning Repertoire

Scammers have mastered deception, drawing in the watchful with glossy ads and tempting offers. Beware of the bait-and-switch, where a low service fee escalates into an exorbitant cost upon their arrival, exploiting your trust. They cast garage door fixes as emergencies, pushing you into rash decisions and substantial fees for inferior service. Resist impulsive actions to avoid this pitfall. Beyond deceptive pricing, sneaky companies construct false trust with bogus online reviews, clouding the narrative for genuine service seekers in a trust-dependent field.

Google's Role and the Review Pitfall

Today, online reviews can make or break a business. However, overreliance can be risky when platforms such as Google, Yelp, and Angie’s List are manipulated by scammers to seem trustworthy. A deluge of fake praise can overshadow real criticism, raising questions about the strength of review systems. Even as Google fights against these ruses, questionable reviews seep through their filters. A "verified" label doesn't always mean thorough vetting, complicating the hunt for reliable services. Careful review analysis is vital for homeowners. Examine addresses, research history, and confirm company legitimacy to ensure peace of mind when seeking garage door repairs.

The Staggering Toll on Homeowners

The impact of garage door repair swindles extend beyond immediate monetary loss. Homeowners often pay several times the standard rate, wasting money that could be better allocated. Low-quality repairs lead to continuous problems and safety risks, casting a lengthy shadow of disruption and worry. More than an annoyance, these frauds threaten the survival of honest providers.

The Peril of Unlicensed Technicians

Unlicensed technicians are the bogeymen of garage door repair, with their unqualified work leading to substandard and potentially dangerous repairs. Errors may skip critical safety features, risking injury and property damage. Dealing with these non-entities complicates seeking recourse, increasing homeowner frustration, and enabling fraud proliferation.

Spotting the Real Deal in Garage Door Repair

It's crucial to identify legitimate garage door repair services. Look for companies with a strong digital presence, verifiable testimonials, and clear contact information. Verify necessary licenses and insurance and stay alert to pressured decision-making. Use thorough comparison shopping to navigate the myriads of options.

The Path to Scam Exposure and Action

If you encounter a fraud, document everything, and report the experience to consumer agencies, the Better Business Bureau, or the police. Your account could ignite wider battles against industry fraud. Advocate for stricter regulations and help transform the market into a safer environment for homeowners and genuine professionals.

The Call for Media and Consumer Awakening.

Today's imperative combines investigative journalism and an informed public to counteract garage door repair swindles. Knowledgeable consumers can shield against deceit, committed to uncovering truth and demanding integrity. Let us initiate an era where frauds diminish under scrutiny and transparency prevails.

Stand Strong, Stand Informed

In the shadowed corners of the garage door repair industry, insidious frauds lurk. Knowledge and caution are your armor; remain vigilant, informed, and wary. Our shared resolve can drive change, arming us with the insight to make the safest, most secure decisions.

In a (Google Search_files) or Google search prompt,

• In a (Google Search_files) or Google search prompt,

• TYPE: ( garage door repair company near me (your zip) & (city name)

Here is what showes up----basically

All Maps Shopping Images Forums Web Videos More Tools

Open now Top rated Online estimates

Search Results

Visalia, CA 93291 ∙ Edit

Your Google Ads Summary

Only you can see this summary

(not this, thats me)

The first businesses you see will be from the paid advertising.

'SPONSORED' ads

From luxury to budget-friendly - just a click away. Every click costs the

advertiser (business) X.XX and adds X.XX to Google's earnings.

(i can afford to do once and a while)

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

xxxxx
· Garage door supplier

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The job was done quick, clean, and an affordable price. "WebsiteDirections

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

xxxxx
· Garage door supplier

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Open 24 hours"

The technicians were skilled and friendly, and the pricing was reasonable.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

xxxxx
Garage door supplier

Open
⋅ Closes 9 PM"

Professional staff and fair pricing."

More places

Map

Search Results

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx REAL COMPANY GOOD JOB

4.7 (118) xxxxxxx Garage door supplier

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Open XX hours (559) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

This xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

4.9 (3) Garage door supplier

Open XX hours (559) xxxxxxxxxxx

"The xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Garage Door Repair & Installation Visalia CA ----- ( This one using my name )

3.7 (13) Garage door supplier

Open XXX Closes xxxxx

"Pr xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx"

xxxxxxxxxxxxx aka xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

4.8 (9) Door supplier

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Closed Opens xxxxxxxxxxxx
· (559) xxxxxxxx

"Thxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

0.0 ( 0 ) Garage builder

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Closed Opens XXXXXXXXXXXXX

(559) XXXXXXXXXX

"Directions"

Garage Door Repair and Installations Company REGESTERED BUSINESS NAME

(you manage this Business Profile) ( only on my computer)

4.9 (524) Garage door supplier REAL REVIEWS

2841 W Ashland Ave PHYCICAL ADDRESS

Open 24 hours HOURS OF OPERTION
· (559) 527-0739 REAL PHONE # (NOT BAUGHT FROM OUT OF TOWN)

"They were prompt, efficient, gave accurate estimates, did the job well." (REAL REVIEW SNIPPET)

"Schedule " "Website" " Directions" (ON-LINE SCHEDULING) (WEBSITE ) (DIRECTIONS TO PHYSICAL ADDRESS)

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

4.5 (47) Garage door supplier (NICE TO SEE THEY ARENT "BORROWING REVIEWS FROM PARENT COMPANY 250 MILES AWAY)

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX ADDRESS EXHISTS. EMPTY BUILDING. NOT LOCAL 100 MILES AWAY

Open Closes XXXXXX
·XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"TXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

"Website" "Directions"

Areas served

• Corcoran
• Hanford
• Lemoore
• Kingsburg
• Riverdale
• Exeter
• Farmersville
• Tulare
• Visalia

CSLB INFORMATION

Workers' Compensation

This license is exempt from having workers compensation insurance; they certified that they have no employees at this time.

• CSLB INFORMATION
• NOT LOCAL
• BUSINESS IS 3 HOURS AWAY
• OWNER IS 3 HOURS AWAY FROM BUSINESS (PARALELL TO VISILIA)
• NEAR SAN JOSE
• Workers' Compensation

This license is exempt from having workers compensation insurance; they certified that they have no employees at this time.

HOW DOES THIS WORK???

3 HOURS AWAY AND NO EMPLOYEES???

Areas served

CSLB INFORMATION

Expire Date12/26/2020

License Status

This license is canceled and not able to contract.

Classifications

C-61 / D28 - DOORS, GATES AND ACTIVATING DEVICES

Workers' Compensation

This license is exempt from having workers compensation insurance; they certified that they have no employees at this time.

Effective Date:
01/31/2019

Expire Date:
NoneWorkers' Compensation History

Miscellaneous Information

• 12/26/2020 - SECRETARY OF STATE - DISSOLUTION

Other

• Personnel listed on this license (current or disassociated) are listed on other licenses.

GOOGLE LISTING iNFORMATION

Closed Now Thu 7:00 AM 7:00 PM

Visalia, CA 93277
158.71 mi

• CSLB INFORMATION
• Entity Corporation
• Issue Date 01/17/1995
• Expire Date12/26/2020

License Status

This license is canceled and not able to contract.

• Classifications

  C-61 / D28 - DOORS, GATES AND ACTIVATING DEVICES

• Workers' Compensation

  This license is exempt from having workers compensation insurance; they certified that they have no employees at this time.

  Effective Date:
  01/31/2019

  Expire Date:
  NoneWorkers' Compensation History

  Miscellaneous Information

  Other

  GOOGLE LISTING iNFORMATION

  • 12/26/2020 - SECRETARY OF STATE - DISSOLUTION

  • Personnel listed on this license (current or disassociated) are listed on other licenses.

• Closed Now Thu 7:00 AM 7:00 PM
• Visalia, CA 93277
• 158.71 mi
• Current Top Pro
• Hired 305 times
• Serves San Jose, CA
• Background checked
• License verified
• 3 employees
• 3 years in business

HOW DOES THIS WORK???

Areas served

CALIFORNIA

CSLB INFORMATION

Status Expired

Status Expired

Status Expired

GOOGLE LISTING iNFORMATION

Closed Now Thu 7:00 AM 7:00 PM

Visalia, CA 93277
177.71 mi

• CSLB INFORMATION
• Contractor Name xxxxxxxxxxxxDOORS
• NameType DBA
• License xxxxx
• City HOLLYWOOD
• Status Expired
• Contractor Name xxxxxxxxxxxDOORS
• Name Type DBA
• License xxxxx
• City SAN jOSE
• Status Expired
• Contractor Name XXXXXXXXDOORS
• Name Type DBA
• License XXXXXXXXX
• City FRESNO
• Status Expired
• GOOGLE LISTING iNFORMATION
• Closed Now Thu 7:00 AM 7:00 PM
• Visalia, CA 93277
• 177.71 mi
• Current Top Pro
• Hired 305 times
• Serves San Jose, CA
• Background checked
• License verified
• 3 employees
• 3 years in business