Estate and Property Fraud
What are contractor scams targeting surviving spouses?
Short answer
Contractors solicit homeowners who have recently lost a spouse — often by reading obituaries — offering repairs, inspections, or cleanup services. Common scams: demanding large upfront payments and disappearing, performing unnecessary or fake work, filing mechanic's liens on the property. Never hire…
What this usually means
Contractors solicit homeowners who have recently lost a spouse — often by reading obituaries — offering repairs, inspections, or cleanup services. Common scams: demanding large upfront payments and disappearing, performing unnecessary or fake work, filing mechanic's liens on the property. Never hire a contractor who approaches you unsolicited. Verify licensing at the California Contractors State License Board (cslb.ca.gov) before hiring anyone.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.