First and foremost, thank you to all those who gave their lives serving our country.
Every major holiday brings discounts—and scammers. Memorial Day is no different. While many legitimate contractors run sales to compete for new jobs, it’s also prime time for shady operators to prey on homeowners looking for quick fixes or seasonal upgrades.
Here are some of the most common Memorial Day contractor scams making the rounds:
- “Book Today and Save 30%”: Some shady contractors pressure you to book immediately to lock in a “holiday deal.” They might request a large deposit upfront and then ghost you.
- Door-to-Door “Patriots”: Scammers may show up unannounced, claim they’re local veterans offering discounts for the holiday, and use patriotism to earn your trust.
- Too-Good-To-Be-True Renovations: Massive discounts on large jobs like roofing or remodeling? If the price feels impossible, it probably is. Verify licenses and past work before paying anything.
- Limited-Time Offers That Vanish: Some contractors will say they’re only offering a certain price this weekend. That’s a manipulation tactic. A trustworthy pro won’t corner you.
Red Flags to Watch For:
- No contract, or a vague one
- High-pressure sales tactics
- Requests for large deposits or cash only
- No online presence or verified business info
What You Can Do Instead:
- Ask for references. Real ones. Then actually call them.
- Google the business name + “reviews” + your city.
- Use your state’s license lookup tool to verify credentials.
- Post on BadContractorAlert.com and ask the community before committing to anything.
Remember: Memorial Day is about honoring service; not falling for scams.