Home repair con artists make unlimited promises about low-cost repairs. They may tell you they have "leftovers" from a larger job, and can do the repair work for you at a discount. They may pose as phony inspectors who claim your house contains health hazards or code violations that must be fixed right away. Or they might be salespeople who use scare tactics to pressure you into buying a service.

Any of these scams can be applied to any home repair you may need, whether it is roof or driveway repairs, additions, tiling or renovation work.

To avoid home repair scams:

• Deal with reputable people in your community;

• Ask contractors for copies of their general liability and worker's compensation insurance;

• Check with the New Mexico Construction Industries Division (1-505-827-7030) to assure the contractor is licensed;

• Check identification. Can a "health inspector" show you identification? Is a contractor or repair business listed in the telephone book?;

• Ask for references, and call them;

• Call the Better Business Bureau in your area to inquire if the contractor has any outstanding complaints. The Albuquerque BBB can be reached at 346-0110 (1-800-873-2224 statewide). Contact the Las Cruces BBB at 575-524-3130 and the Santa Fe BBB at 505-988-3648;

• Contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at 800-678-1508 to learn if other consumers have filed complaints against the company;

• Get all promises of work to be done and costs in writing before work begins. Make sure the estimates and work descriptions are specific;

• Don't pay the full amount of repair costs until you are satisfied with the completed work; and

• Call your local law enforcement agency or Better Business Bureau if you suspect a con artist.