Over a year ago, we shared some of the common garage door scams that unscrupulous installers use to deceive unsuspecting homeowners. Unfortunately, the garage door industry remains a prime target for scammers due to its lack of regulation, ease of access to suppliers, and the fact that most homeowners only deal with it occasionally.

Even the cheapest garage door, hastily installed, will typically function for several years. This gives dishonest operators plenty of time to change their business names and avoid accountability for substandard workmanship. As a result, when shopping for a new garage door, you need to stay vigilant against potential scams.

Three Additional Garage Door Scams You Should Know About

On top of the scams we discussed previously, here are three more that are currently active in the Toronto and GTA areas.

1. Low-Cost Service Calls

This scam is particularly prevalent when homeowners need urgent garage door repairs. A common tactic is to advertise a "guaranteed" low-priced service, such as a $19.00 24-hour repair service. When the technician arrives, however, they’ll claim additional charges are necessary before starting any work. Always read the fine print carefully and ask for a detailed breakdown of costs upfront.

2. Discount Coupons

Some companies lure customers with online discount coupons for garage doors. However, these coupons often exclude installation fees. This means while you might save on the door itself, you could end up paying significantly more for the installation. Always request a full itemized quote from every company you contact to ensure transparency.

3. Impersonating Reputable Companies

We’ve encountered this scam firsthand. Our company, Whiteby Garage Doors, is well-known in Whitby for our reliability. Dishonest competitors sometimes mimic our branding to trick customers into thinking they’re dealing with us. Always double-check website URLs, business cards, and correspondence to confirm you’re working with the legitimate company. Alternatively, you can simply reach out directly to us—Whiteby Garage Doors—the trusted choice in the area.