As 2024 ends, Orange County homeowners are increasingly being targeted by fraudulent garage door companies offering services such as repairs and installations of garage doors, garage door openers, and springs.

These scams often begin with a simple internet search for garage door repair services, leading unsuspecting users to fraudulent listings on platforms like Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Bing Maps.

These deceptive operations manipulate online mapping services to appear as local, trustworthy businesses with fake locations and glowing reviews. Unfortunately, this is a longstanding problem that platforms like Google Maps have failed to address since the platform was launched in 2005.

While you may be misled into thinking they are just around the corner, these “businesses” are often remote call centers or fly-by-night companies that dispatch unqualified or illegal workers. These workers frequently overcharge consumers, perform subpar repairs, and use low-quality or unsuitable parts and hardware.

In some cases, even seemingly legitimate garage door repair companies resort to deceptive tactics to attract customers. Misrepresenting their location or credentials is a significant red flag, often signaling a lack of transparency, integrity, and accountability. Such businesses are more likely to deliver subpar service and take advantage unsuspecting consumers.

Protect Yourself from Garage Door Repair Scams

To avoid falling victim to these garage door scams, follow these critical steps:

1. Verify the Company’s Information on the CSLB Website

The Contractors State License Board (CSLB), the regulatory body overseeing contractors in California and Orange County, offers an easy way to verify contractor licenses.

Before calling any garage door repair service, make sure to confirm their credentials on the CSLB website. Here’s how:

• Visit the CSLB website: Go to the official CSLB website to begin the verification process.
• Enter the contractor license number: Most legitimate companies list their license number at the bottom of their website. Enter the number in the search field and click “search.”
• Search by business name: If no license number is provided, click the “business name” option, enter the company name, and click “search.”
• Review their details: A list of businesses will appear. Click the highlighted license number to view the company’s official details, including their address and phone number.

For example, in Fig. 1, a list appears after searching “Champion Garage Door Repair” by business name.

Fig. 2 shows the company’s page and information after clicking the link with the highlighted license number.

2. Watch for Red Flags

If you cannot find the company on the CSLB website or their license information doesn’t match, avoid working with them.

Some scammers may provide a fake license number, so always call the business phone number listed on the CSLB website (Fig. 2) to confirm that it matches the company you initially contacted.

3. Avoid Paying Cash or Committing to Immediate Repairs

Follow the steps below if you suspect you’ve contacted a scammer:

• Don’t pay in cash: Payments made in cash are nearly impossible to recover if something goes wrong.
• Decline service: Politely explain that you’re currently only seeking an estimate and decline any offers to perform repairs.
• Ask them to leave if pressured: If the worker becomes aggressive, firmly but politely ask them to leave. Call 911 if necessary.

Why Verifying a Garage Door Repair Contractor Matters

Taking a few minutes to verify a contractor’s legitimacy can help ensure:

• Peace of Mind: Avoid the stress of dealing with unqualified workers or unreliable repair service.
• Fair Pricing: Protect yourself from being overcharged or misled into paying for unnecessary repairs.
• Safety and Security: Ensure certified repairs to protect your home and property from potential security risks while maintaining the safe operation of your garage door.

As garage door repair scams rise in Orange County, always verify the company’s credentials through the CSLB, ask questions, and trust your instincts. If something seems off, it probably is. Protect yourself, family members, and your property by staying informed and cautious.

For more information or assistance, visit the CSLB website or consult a trusted, licensed garage door repair company.