Homeowners across New York State are at risk of financial loss and incomplete or unsafe home improvement projects due to these scams. Victims may face thousands of dollars in damages, unfinished work, or substandard craftsmanship. Scammers often exploit homeowners by creating a false sense of urgency or exaggerating issues to secure upfront payments. The risks are particularly high for those who fail to verify contractor credentials or agree to unfavorable contract terms. The Division of Consumer Protection aims to mitigate these risks by educating the public on how to identify and avoid fraudulent contractors.