When Mary (alias), a Huntington Beach resident, walked into her garage on a quiet Sunday morning, she expected nothing more than a typical day. She hit the garage door opener, but her garage door opened only a few inches before grinding to a halt. Her car was trapped inside. Realizing she might be stuck without a way to get to work, she started to panic.

A quick online search led her to what appeared to be a local garage door repair company, conveniently listed just around the corner. She called and was relieved when they agreed to send a technician out that same day.

Upon arrival, the service technician inspected the garage door and identified a broken torsion spring. He also noted that the cable drums were damaged and required replacement. The total bill? Over $3,000. When Mary questioned the cost, she says the technician became defensive and aggressive. Feeling pressured and uncomfortable, she paid the bill to end the ordeal and avoid further confrontation.

But something didn’t sit right.

Feeling taken advantage of, Mary contacted the Orange County District Attorney’s office and several private attorneys. But she hit a wall. Because no laws had technically been broken and the serviceman had her consent (however pressured she felt), there was little anyone could do. Her complaints went nowhere.

Unfortunately, Mary’s experience is not unique. Homeowners across Orange County and the U.S. are falling victim to similar misleading tactics used by fake companies posing as local businesses. Behind many of these pages are shell operations that exploit online platforms to deceive customers into thinking they’re hiring nearby, trustworthy garage door repair technicians.

These operations often use fake local addresses, or addresses belonging to big-box retailers like Home Depot or Lowe’s, to create a false sense of legitimacy and proximity. In Mary’s case, the company she contacted had listed its business address as 19101 Magnolia St, Huntington Beach, CA 92646, the location of the Home Depot store located off Garfield and Magnolia.

Online platforms such as Google, Bing, Apple, and others that host local ads and pages for home services continue to display misleading content because they are protected under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. The legislation protects these platforms from liability, which allows bad actors to post false business information and fake reviews with little to no oversight.

Regulators have not only declined to amend Section 230 but have also turned a blind eye, enabling scammers and shell companies to register businesses with fake addresses to mislead consumers.

After exhausting her options and finding no accountability from the very people and agencies meant to protect consumers, Mary reached out to us. She hopes to share her story as a warning to Huntington Beach residents, and others, who need garage door repair services.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

Before contacting any garage door repair company, consumers in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and California should always verify their business credentials. If you are not a California resident, use the official source for your state or region.

Check for a Contractor License

Use the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) to confirm that the company is licensed and in good standing. Learn more about the process here. Do not take their word for it, as many scammers use fake license numbers or even a license that belongs to a different, legitimate company.

Check the Location

Be cautious if the address listed is a major retailer, this is likely a red flag.

Trust Your Instincts

If a technician becomes aggressive or evasive, you have the right to stop the service and seek a second opinion. Call 911 if needed.

Don’t Panic

When your garage door suddenly breaks down, take a deep breath. Always repeat the first step: verify the company’s license before you contact them.

Remember, it’s not just about the cost, but also about the risks of letting unqualified or unlicensed individuals work on your door. A garage door is a large, heavy, moving object. Repairing it without the proper knowledge can put you, your loved ones, and your belongings in danger.

Mary’s story is a warning and a call for reform. Until regulators update laws and enforce online accountability, consumers must remain vigilant, especially when searching online for garage door companies.