Scam of the Week: Home repair ripoffs

The Scam: Crooked home repair- and remodeling contractors
The Target: Homeowners
The Hook: We'll do it cheap for cash; no need to put it in writing.
The Scammers: Fly-by-night firms or single operators, often with no business address and often moving from town to town.
How to avoid being victimized: Shop around; know or get to know the firm before hiring; get references of past work done and check them out. Get everything in writing.

KS AG Phill Kline consumer tip: Contractors