Summer is finally here and that means more vacations, plenty of nice weather, and, unfortunately, an increase in homeowner scams.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) and other consumer protection departments around the country are fully aware of this annual issue, and are currently in the process of warning homeowners and individuals of the potential for scams during the warmer months.

“We know that scams are cyclical, as an example, every summer we see an increase in employment related scams,” said Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the BBB. “With our new data, we are able to better gauge the impact of those scams and others.”

According to ABC 7 Chicago, the number one most common summer scam has to deal with fraudulent tax collectors. Roughly 50% of reported scams and inquiries fall under tax-related scams. Criminals will pose as agents from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and attempt to gain credit or debit card information from victims.

The BBB advises that a legitimate IRS employee would never call someone and demand an immediate payment, threaten to bring in law enforcement if a payment is not processed, or not allow the taxpayer the opportunity to question or appeal the amount of money owed.


American people, especially homeowners, should be aware of home warranty scams as well. Quality national home warranty companies will provide the best in protection and coverage for at least 10 years on qualified structural defects from the date of closing. Fraudulent home warranty companies, however, or scammers who pose as contractors, will offer this type of protection coverage or service, acquire some sort of downpayment, and then never perform any duties, effectively scamming homeowners of their hard-earned money.

As ABC 2 reports, the BBB advises homeowners to never send money to someone the sender doesn’t know and be cognizant of exactly who is entering and leaving your home.