Scams are an unfortunate part of daily life, especially in today’s digital world. Fraudsters are constantly finding new ways to trick people into giving away money, personal information, or access to their property. But what exactly constitutes a scam in the state of Utah—and what can you do if you encounter one?

Below are the top ten scams most commonly seen in Utah, along with practical steps to protect yourself and what to do if you become a victim.

If a fraudulent business practice has impacted you, trust an attorney who knows how to fight for your consumer rights. David Head is an experienced consumer protection attorney with a proven track record of securing positive outcomes for clients facing scams and unfair dealings. Take the first step toward recovery and call or text Mr. Head’s office at (801) 691-7511 today.

Home Repair, Construction, and Remodel Scams

These scams often target homeowners after severe weather events or when individuals are looking for a more cost-effective home remodel. Fraudulent contractors may go door-to-door offering quick, discounted, or “emergency” repair services. They build trust with friendly promises and convincing credentials—only to demand large upfront payments before disappearing or delivering shoddy, incomplete work. Some even claim to be licensed or insured when they’re not, leaving homeowners with unsafe or unfinished projects and no recourse once the scammer vanishes.

How to protect yourself:

• Always verify that a contractor is licensed and insured through the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
• Get all estimates and agreements in writing before paying any money.
• Avoid contractors who demand full or large payments upfront or who refuse to provide references.
• Be cautious of “today only” offers or anyone pushing you to sign quickly.
• Pay with traceable methods—never with cash or gift cards.

Solar Scams

Fraudulent solar companies often promise unrealistic savings, “free” panels, or government rebates that don’t exist—only to trap homeowners in expensive, long-term contracts. These scammers may use aggressive door-to-door sales tactics or high-pressure calls to convince you that you’ll save thousands on your energy bills. In reality, many victims end up paying more due to hidden fees, inflated financing terms, or faulty equipment that fails to deliver on promised results. Some companies even disappear after installation, leaving homeowners with unfinished work or no support for maintenance and repairs.

How to protect yourself:

• Research any solar company thoroughly before signing a contract.
• Get multiple quotes and compare the total cost, financing terms, and maintenance coverage.
• Verify the company’s licensing and registration with the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
• Be skeptical of “free solar panel” offers—there’s always a cost somewhere.
• Never sign under pressure or during a high-pressure sales visit.

Auto Purchase Scams

Scammers often pose as private sellers or dealerships, advertising vehicles that don’t exist, have hidden damage, or come with falsified titles. They may use online marketplaces or social media platforms to post convincing listings with stolen photos and fake vehicle histories. In some cases, they claim to be selling on behalf of a family member in the military or overseas to pressure buyers into quick, remote payments. Once the money is sent—often through wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency—the vehicle never arrives, and the seller disappears.

How to protect yourself:

• Never send money before inspecting the vehicle in person and verifying ownership documents.
• Check the vehicle’s VIN through vehiclehistory.gov to confirm its legitimacy and accident history.
• Meet sellers in a public, well-lit location such as a police department’s “safe exchange zone.”
• Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true or sellers who avoid phone calls or in-person meetings.
• Use secure, traceable payment methods instead of cash or wire transfers.

Home Appliances and Service Scams

Fake repair technicians or service companies often charge for unnecessary repairs, use substandard parts, or sell worthless warranty plans that provide no real coverage. These scammers frequently advertise deep discounts or “limited-time offers” to lure customers in, claiming to be certified experts when they have no proper licensing or credentials. Once hired, they may overcharge for simple fixes, damage property through poor workmanship, or disappear after taking payment. Victims are left with unsafe appliances, invalid warranties, and unexpected repair costs.

How to protect yourself:

• Always verify a technician’s business license and certifications before scheduling service.
• Avoid companies that demand full payment upfront or refuse to provide written estimates.
• Research the company’s reviews through the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or the Utah Division of Consumer Protection.
• Be cautious of “too good to be true” repair deals or unsolicited offers.
• Use established, well-reviewed service providers whenever possible.

Travel Scams

From fake vacation rentals to deceptive “free cruise” offers, travel scams are designed to lure you in with enticing deals and separate you from your money quickly. Scammers often create convincing websites or listings with stolen photos, false reviews, and fake business names. Others may contact you directly, claiming you’ve won a vacation or offering a limited-time travel package that requires immediate payment. Once the money is sent, the deal vanishes—or you arrive to find that the rental or cruise never existed.

How to protect yourself:

• Book travel only through verified and reputable agencies or platforms.
• Avoid wiring money, paying in cash, or using gift cards for deposits.
• Verify that rental listings are legitimate by checking the address and contacting the property owner directly through a trusted channel.
• Be skeptical of any “free vacation” or “too-good-to-be-true” travel deal that requires upfront payment or personal information.
• Use credit cards for added protection and dispute rights if something goes wrong.

Employment Scams

Fraudsters often post fake job listings online, collect application fees or personal information, and then disappear. These scammers may impersonate legitimate companies, offering remote positions or high-paying opportunities that seem too good to be true. Victims are sometimes asked to purchase equipment, pay for “training materials,” or provide sensitive details such as Social Security numbers or bank account information—only to discover that the job never existed.

How to protect yourself:

• Never pay any fees or purchase materials upfront for a job.
• Research the company by visiting its official website and verifying contact information.
• Be cautious of interviews conducted solely over text or messaging apps.
• Avoid sharing personal or banking information until you’ve confirmed the job’s legitimacy.
• Trust your instincts—if something feels off or rushed, it’s likely a scam.

Warranty Plans and Service Scams

Scammers often sell “extended warranty” or “protection plan” services that provide little to no real coverage. These fraudsters use official-looking mailers, emails, or automated robocalls that appear to come from legitimate dealerships or manufacturers. They pressure consumers into acting quickly, warning that their “coverage is about to expire,” when in reality, the plan is fake or nearly impossible to use. Once payment is made, communication typically stops—or victims discover that the supposed warranty excludes nearly everything that could actually go wrong.

How to protect yourself:

• Confirm any warranty offers directly with your vehicle’s manufacturer or dealership.
• Hang up on unsolicited warranty calls or delete suspicious emails.
• Review the fine print of any contract before paying or signing.
• Check for company complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or Utah Division of Consumer Protection before agreeing to coverage.
• Be cautious of anyone demanding immediate payment or personal details to “renew” a policy.

Home Furnishing Scams

Fake websites often advertise furniture or home décor at steep discounts, promising luxury products for bargain prices. These scams typically use stolen photos and fake reviews to appear legitimate. Once a purchase is made, victims either receive low-quality knockoffs, damaged goods, or nothing at all. Some fraudulent sellers even use your payment information for additional unauthorized charges.

How to protect yourself:

• Shop only with reputable retailers and established online stores.
• Avoid websites that only accept wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency as payment.
• Check for secure website addresses beginning with “https://” and look for clear contact information or return policies.
• Read independent customer reviews on trusted platforms before placing an order.
• Be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true—they usually are.

Auto Warranty Scams

Utah residents frequently receive robocalls, text messages, or mailers claiming that their car warranty is about to expire. These messages often appear urgent and official, using dealership logos or familiar language to trick consumers into believing they’re legitimate. In reality, many of these offers are fake attempts to gather personal or financial information or to sell worthless service contracts. Once you respond or provide payment information, scammers may charge unauthorized fees or sell your data to other fraudulent operations.

How to protect yourself:

• Hang up immediately if you receive an unsolicited call about your car warranty.
• Do not provide personal, financial, or vehicle information to unknown callers.
• Verify any warranty offers directly with your dealership or vehicle manufacturer.
• Register your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce spam calls.
• Report suspicious calls or mailers to the Utah Division of Consumer Protection or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Home Security System Scams

Scammers often impersonate legitimate home security companies, offering “free upgrades,” “special promotions,” or “limited-time deals” that end up costing homeowners far more than expected. These individuals may claim to represent your current provider and pressure you into signing new contracts on the spot. In some cases, they install substandard or fake equipment—or take payments without performing any work at all. Victims are left with hidden fees, ongoing charges, or no functioning security system.

How to protect yourself:

• Always verify a salesperson’s identity directly with your current security provider before agreeing to any changes or upgrades.
• Take time to read the fine print of any contract before signing.
• Never give access to your home or payment information to someone you haven’t verified.
• Be cautious of high-pressure, door-to-door sales tactics or offers that require immediate decisions.
• Check reviews and verify that the company is licensed with the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

If you have been a victim of any of these scams, you may be entitled to statutory damages.

If you believe you’ve been scammed, act quickly:
1. Stop all contact with the scammer.
2. Protect your finances—notify your bank or credit card company.
3. Gather evidence—keep records, screenshots, and receipts.
4. Report the scam:
   – Utah Division of Consumer Protection: consumerprotection.utah.gov
   – Utah Attorney General’s Office: attorneygeneral.utah.gov
   – FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
   – FBI IC3: ic3.gov
   – Local Police Department if you’ve lost money or property.

Need Legal Help? Contact Attorney David Head

Attorney David Head provides legal help to consumers facing harassment, fraud, and illegal practices.

📞 Phone: 801-691-7511
📧 Email: office@headlawusa.com

David Head has the experience to help stop and hold scammers accountable.