"Contractor scams have been on the rise and pop up in areas looking to repair and restore homes caused by natural disasters," says Joseph Armato of Nationwide Contracting. Even more disheartening, the victims of these scammers are often the elderly who are unable to perform some of the home upkeep tasks themselves. In an April article of U.S. News and World Report scam contractors are becoming increasingly smart and detailed in their scams. Some create fake business cards and create websites. Increasingly worrisome are scammers that, "assume the identity of a real contractor, register a company or use an alias."

The problem is for legitimate contactors like Joseph Armato of Nationwide Contracting, a contractors good name can become tarnished by someone thinking a legitimate contractor harmed them when really a scam artist was to blame. Often, homeowners will be unaware they were scammed at all until a payment is delivered and the scam contractor disappears leaving the homeowner with a legitimate name.

The rate of scam contractors has grown and areas affected by natural disasters are especially prone to being hit by scammers. According to Joseph Armato of Nationwide Contracting, there are a number of signs people can look for to determine legitimate contractors from scam contractors. "Usually friends or family will be able to recommend someone they trust but it is important to do detective work before signing a contract or giving money to someone claiming to be a contractor," advices Joseph Armato of Nationwide Contracting.

Bankrate.com is a website trusted for personal finance advice and has also written about scam contractors. Ten tips provided by the site for avoid being scammed include getting four references, don't advertise if you live alone, check the BBB, verify the contractor's license, check their coverage, call your insurance, hire an inspector, be careful when buying supplies, deal with your own insurance, and carefully read the contract instead of glancing it over and blindly trusting the contractor at his/her word.

Unfortunately, scam contractors are ready to step in and take advantage of people in need of support. Joseph Armato of Nationwide Contracting points to the flooding in Colorado where scam artists pose not only as contractors but also as representatives of charitable organizations. The Denver Post reported in September of 2013: "Be wary of door-to-door solicitations and never do business with anyone who has a post office box number instead of a street address."

Joseph Armato of Nationwide Contracting hopes homeowners will be diligent in protecting themselves and researching anyone who solicits work. He recommends using referrals from friend and families or call insurance companies for contactors trusted by homeowners insurance.

About: There has been a rise in contractor scams and Joseph Armato of Nationwide Contracting wants homeowners to be aware of the threat and take measure to protect them.