The El Paso County Attorney’s Office is asking El Pasoans to remain vigilant against scams and deceptive business practices, releasing guidelines to help consumers protect themselves.
“Consumer vigilance is our strongest defense against fraudulent schemes,” El Paso County Attorney Christina Sanchez said in a news release. “Our office is here to help residents navigate these challenges and ensure they have the information needed to make informed decisions and protect (themselves).”
A scam or deceptive business practice is when someone intentionally or recklessly tries to mislead a consumer, the news release states. This could include selling less than the amount purchased, misrepresenting a product or service as original or new, or making false statements about a purchase or sale.
Here are tips and advice from the El Paso County Attorney’s Office.
Tips to avoid being scammed:
Do your homework: Always get multiple estimates for any significant job or purchase. Ask for references and contact them before agreeing to anything. Search online for complaints filed against a company or individual. Check resources like the Better Business Bureau website bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-el-paso.
Insist on written contracts: Never be rushed into signing a contract, especially if high-pressure sales tactics like “today-only” discounts are used. Always sign a detailed contract that clearly states what services or goods will be provided, the amount to be paid, and the completion date. Ensure all terms and warranties are in writing. If any terms change, get the new agreement in writing and have both parties sign it. Never sign a blank or partially blank contract.
Be careful with payments: Never make full payment before a service is complete. Be cautious about making large down payments for supplies or substantial upfront payments for services, especially if you haven’t done business with that individual or company before.
Verify credentials: For certain services, like plumbing and electrical work, professionals must be licensed. Always ask for proof of insurance and bond, ensuring it covers the cost of your project, and request a copy.
Be wary of permit requests: If a builder or remodeler asks you to obtain construction permits yourself, this is a significant red flag. It may indicate they are not properly licensed or have previously run into trouble with local authorities. Always have the contractor obtain the necessary permits, as this ensures they are following legal and safety regulations.
Document everything: Keep detailed records of all communications, including dates, times, phone numbers, and emails. If someone is working at your home or business, write down their vehicle’s license plate number. Save all contracts, receipts of payments, photos of completed or uncompleted work, and any other correspondence.
What to do if you are a victim:
Contact law enforcement: Report the scam to a law enforcement agency, including the El Paso Police Department at 915-832-4400 or El Paso County Sheriff’s Office at 915-546-2280. Ensure an officer writes a report and provides you with a case number so you can follow up on your complaint.
Provide evidence: Share copies of all evidence you have collected, including contracts, payment receipts, photos of work, and any saved texts, emails, or voicemail messages.
Contact the El Paso County Attorney’s Office: Call the El Paso County Attorney’s Office Criminal Unit at 915-273- 3249 to check if they have received your case from law enforcement.
Report to other agencies: File a grievance with the Better Business Bureau at bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-of-el-paso or by calling 915-577-0191. You can also make a report to the Texas Attorney General’s Office at 800-621-0508 or online at shorturl.at/BB1JV.
Aaron Martinez covers the criminal justice system for the El Paso Times. He may be reached at amartinez1@elpasotimes.com or on X/Twitter @AMartinezEPT.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso County attorney asks consumers to be vigilant, offers guidelines to avoid scams
Reporting by Aaron Martinez, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
