It's been just over a year since we first alerted you to some of the sneaky garage door scams being run by unscrupulous installers. Unfortunately, this industry is a prime target for fly-by-night operators due to its lack of regulation, ease of access to suppliers, and the fact that most homeowners don't need to deal with garage doors very often.

Even the cheapest garage door, installed in a hurry, will typically function for a few years. By the time issues arise, many of these shady operators have already changed their business names and moved on, leaving customers with subpar workmanship and no recourse.

Given all of this, it's crucial to be vigilant when purchasing or repairing a garage door. Here are three additional garage door scams to watch out for, especially in the Toronto and GTA area.

3 Additional Garage Door Scams to Be Aware Of

On top of the scams we've previously discussed, here are three more that are currently active in the region:

1. Deceptive Low-Cost Service Calls

One common tactic is offering extremely low-priced service calls, particularly for emergency repairs. A recent example we came across was a "100% Guaranteed" $19.00 24-hour garage door repair service. The initial Google listing suggests the service will only cost $19. However, once the technician arrives, they will likely demand additional payment before beginning any work. Always clarify upfront what services are included in such offers.

2. Discount Coupons With Hidden Costs

Many companies advertise online coupons for discounted garage doors. However, they often fail to mention that these discounts do not include installation fees. You might think you're getting a great deal on the door itself, but the actual cost of installation could negate those savings—or even result in higher overall expenses. Always ask potential contractors to provide detailed itemized quotes so you know exactly what you're paying for.

3. Impersonating Reputable Companies

We unfortunately fell victim to similar scams ourselves. As a well-known and trusted garage door installer in Whitby, we've had competitors masquerade as us to trick unsuspecting customers. Be sure to scrutinize website URLs, business cards, invoices, and other documentation carefully to ensure consistency with the company you believe you're working with. Alternatively, you can simply reach out directly to the legitimate company—like us here at Whitby Garage Doors. We’re the real deal!