Home Repair Scams in Colorado Springs: How to Protect Yourself in 2025

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: The Rise of Home Repair Scams in Colorado Springs

2. Why Colorado Springs is a Target

3. Top Home Repair Scam Types in Colorado Springs

4. Common Red Flags and Tactics Used by Scammers

5. Real Victim Stories from Colorado Springs

6. Scams That Surge After Storms or Natural Disasters

7. High-Risk Areas and Neighborhoods Targeted by Scammers

8. How to Vet a Contractor Properly

9. What to Do If You’re Approached by a Suspicious Contractor

10. How to Report a Home Repair Scam in Colorado Springs

11. Legal Protections Under Colorado Law

12. Trusted Resources and Agencies to Contact

13. How to Educate Your Elderly Neighbors or Family

14. Building a Scam-Resistant Community

15. Final Thoughts and Safety Checklist

1. Introduction: The Rise of Home Repair Scams in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is known for its scenic beauty, diverse neighborhoods, and strong sense of community. However, it's also become a target for home repair scammers—especially in the wake of major storms, hail events, or seasonal emergencies. Scammers often prey on elderly homeowners, recent homebuyers, or those living alone.

In this blog, we’ll explore how these scams work, how to identify fraudsters, and what to do if you’re a victim. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or property investor in the Springs, this guide will help you stay protected in 2025 and beyond.

2. Why Colorado Springs Is a Target

There are several reasons why this region is increasingly susceptible:

• Frequent Hail Storms: Colorado is second in the nation for hail insurance claims.

• High Number of Retirees: Elderly homeowners are common scam targets.

• Booming Real Estate Market: Inexperienced homeowners may be more trusting.

• Military Community Turnover: Families moving in/out are often under time pressure.

Scammers know these patterns and tailor their pitches accordingly.

3. Top Home Repair Scam Types in Colorado Springs

Here are the most common scams affecting residents in 2025:

A. Roofing Scams

After storms, fake contractors offer low-cost repairs, collect deposits, and vanish.

B. Driveway Sealant Scams

Scammers claim they have "leftover materials" and pressure you into fast decisions. The work is usually shoddy or incomplete.

C. HVAC & Furnace Repair Frauds

Unlicensed technicians offer low-cost heating tune-ups, only to create fake "emergencies" that require expensive and unnecessary work.

D. Plumbing Scams

Fake plumbers will claim you have a major leak underground—then dig and leave the job half-done after collecting a deposit.

E. Mold or Water Damage Inspection Frauds

They offer free inspections, scare you with exaggerated claims, and push overpriced mitigation services.

F. Tree Trimming & Landscaping Scams

This is especially common in wooded areas like Black Forest and Broadmoor. They’ll do partial work and disappear with your money.

4. Common Red Flags and Tactics Used by Scammers

Stay alert for the following warning signs:

• “We were just in the neighborhood” pitch

• Unmarked trucks or no physical business address

• Requesting full payment upfront in cash

• No written contract or vague scope of work

• Refusal to show ID, license, or insurance

• Pushing you to decide on the spot

• Negative online reviews—or no online presence at all

• Out-of-state license plates post-storm

If any of these signs appear, walk away and do your homework before signing anything.

5. Real Victim Stories from Colorado Springs

Case #1 – The Storm Chaser

In 2023, a 71-year-old homeowner in Old Colorado City paid a roofing contractor $7,000 after a hailstorm. The crew started work, tore off the shingles—and never came back.

Case #2 – Fake Furnace Emergency

A scam technician told a military spouse stationed at Fort Carson her furnace was leaking gas. The “repair” cost $3,200 and turned out to be a total fabrication.

Case #3 – Tree Trouble in Briargate

An unlicensed landscaper took $1,200 for “storm cleanup.” He chopped a few branches and left debris all over the yard before vanishing.

These aren't just rare cases—they happen all the time.

6. Scams That Surge After Storms or Natural Disasters

After a wildfire or hailstorm, Colorado Springs often sees:

• Pop-up contractors with no real credentials

• Price gouging for roof repairs, especially in northern neighborhoods

• Fake FEMA or insurance reps offering help in exchange for personal data

• Damage exaggeration scams by predatory inspectors

Always contact your insurance company and consult city-approved vendors before making payments or signing anything.

7. High-Risk Areas and Neighborhoods Targeted by Scammers

Certain neighborhoods see more activity due to affluence, isolation, or vulnerable populations:

• Black Forest – Storm damage, older properties

• Broadmoor – Affluent homes, often with absentee landlords

• Falcon & Peyton – Fast-growing areas with new homeowners

• Southwest Colorado Springs – Military housing and high turnover

• Westside & Old Colorado City – Elderly populations in historic homes

Of course, scams can happen anywhere, but these areas see repeated targeting due to demographics.

8. How to Vet a Contractor Properly

Before letting someone touch your property:

1. Check Their License

   • Use the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) website to verify.

2. Ask for Proof of Insurance

   • Ensure liability and workers’ comp coverage.

3. Get Multiple Quotes

   • Avoid choosing the cheapest without research.

4. Look Up Online Reviews

   • Check Google, BBB, and Yelp.

5. Ask for References

   • Legitimate pros are happy to provide them.

6. Never Pay in Full Upfront

   • Pay in stages or after work is completed.

9. What to Do If You’re Approached by a Suspicious Contractor

Stay calm. Here's your action plan:

• Don’t open the door if you feel unsafe.

• Don’t sign anything on the spot.

• Request a business card and say you’ll follow up.

• Photograph their vehicle license plate.

• Call local authorities if they become aggressive or threatening.

You’re under no obligation to let anyone onto your property unless they have a court order or are a utility provider.

10. How to Report a Home Repair Scam in Colorado Springs

If you suspect or experience a scam:

Report To:

• Colorado Attorney General’s Office – StopFraudColorado.gov

• Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado – www.bbb.org

• El Paso County Sheriff or CSPD – File a police report

• Pikes Peak Area Agency on Aging – For senior protection

Document everything: receipts, texts, photos, and contractor info.

11. Legal Protections Under Colorado Law

Key Laws That Protect You:

• Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA) – Protects against deceptive trade practices.

• Right to Cancel Law (3-Day Rule) – Gives you 72 hours to cancel contracts signed at your home.

• Contractor Licensing Ordinances – Most major work requires a licensed contractor in El Paso County.

Victims may be able to seek civil damages or even criminal charges with proper documentation.

12. Trusted Resources and Agencies to Contact

• Pikes Peak Regional Building Department – Check licenses and permits

• Home Builders Association of Colorado Springs – Find vetted pros

• Legal Aid Foundation of Colorado – Free help for low-income homeowners

• Colorado Springs Utilities – Verify any utility-related calls

• Nextdoor & Neighborhood Watch Programs – Local alerts and reports

13. How to Educate Your Elderly Neighbors or Family

Scammers often target seniors because they’re more trusting or live alone.

Tips for Protecting Elderly Homeowners:

• Create a trusted contact list of real repair professionals

• Use call-blocking apps or devices

• Hold community seminars on scam awareness

• Visit regularly and review suspicious materials or flyers

• Set rules about not signing anything without a family review

14. Building a Scam-Resistant Community

Neighborhoods That Stay Safe Work Together:

• Share local scam reports in WhatsApp groups or Nextdoor

• Set up cameras and neighborhood watch signage

• Support victims with resources—not shame

• Encourage transparency among HOAs

• Host fraud prevention workshops at local libraries or community centers

Education and communication are the best defense.

15. Final Thoughts and Safety Checklist

Scammers are getting smarter—but so can you.

Home Repair Scam Prevention Checklist:

✅ Always verify contractor licenses✅ Avoid door-to-door repair offers✅ Never pay full amount upfront✅ Don’t trust “today only” deals✅ Get written contracts with clear scope and timelines✅ Keep all receipts and communications✅ Report suspicious activity right away

With a little vigilance, you can keep your property, finances, and family safe from these harmful scams.

Conclusion

Home repair scams are a serious threat in Colorado Springs—especially during storm season, in growing suburbs, and among vulnerable populations. The good news? Awareness and education can stop them in their tracks.

By learning how scammers operate, how to vet contractors, and where to turn for help, you’re giving yourself and your neighbors the tools to fight back. Share this guide with someone you care about. You could save them thousands of dollars—and a major headache.