1. No license number on the truck or estimate
Ohio plumbers, HVAC techs, and electricians MUST display their OCILB license number. No number = walk away. Verify at elicense.ohio.gov before signing.
2. Out-of-state phone number or PO box address
Storm-chaser scams use national 800 numbers and rented PO boxes. A real Toledo pro has a real Toledo phone (419 area code) and a real address you could drive to.
3. Cash-only or 'pay me up front'
Reputable contractors invoice. Asking for full payment up front in cash is a giant red flag. A reasonable deposit (10–25%) is normal for material-heavy jobs; 100% up front is not.
4. 'Today only' high-pressure pricing
Real quotes are good for 30+ days. 'Sign now or the price goes up' is sales pressure to avoid letting you compare quotes. Get 2–3 quotes — every reputable Toledo pro is fine with this.
5. No written estimate before work starts
Hand-shake deals lead to surprise bills. Demand a written estimate breaking out parts, labor, permit fees, and warranty terms.
6. Vague brand / model on the estimate
If the estimate says 'high-efficiency furnace' instead of 'Trane S9V2 60kBTU 96% AFUE,' you're being set up for a bait-and-switch with cheaper equipment.
7. 'I'll pull the permit later'
Permits get pulled BEFORE work starts. Pulling later or never = no city inspection, no insurance coverage if something fails, no resale documentation.
8. Pressure to skip the permit entirely
'It's just a small job, no permit needed' — sometimes true (faucet swap), often a dodge (water heater replacement DOES need a permit in Lucas County). When in doubt, call Lucas County Building Inspection.
9. No insurance proof on file
Ask for the certificate of insurance (COI). Real pros have it ready. If they 'forgot' or 'left it at the office,' walk away. If they're injured on your property uninsured, you can be liable.
10. Online reviews are all 5-star and recent
Real businesses have a mix — some 4-stars, occasional 1-star with a measured response. All-5-star with a sudden 30-review burst in the last 90 days = bought reviews.
Frequently asked
What do I do if I think I've been scammed?
1. Stop further work. 2. Document everything (photos, texts, invoices). 3. File a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General Consumer Protection at 800-282-0515. 4. If a permitted job, contact Lucas County Building Inspection. 5. Dispute charges with your card if you paid by credit card.