In a home repair scam, what is an acceptable amount to request as a deposit?

In the context of home repair scams, asking for no upfront payment whatsoever is the most acceptable approach. Legitimate contractors typically do not require significant deposit amounts before beginning work. By not requesting any upfront payment, consumers can protect themselves from potential fraud, as it ensures that they are not giving money to a contractor who may not follow through with the job or might not be qualified to perform the required work.

This practice is rooted in the idea that reputable businesses earn trust through their work quality and reliability rather than financial transactions before services are rendered. A no-payment policy helps consumers maintain control and minimizes the risk of losing money to scammers who may disappear after receiving a deposit or may perform subpar work.

In contrast, the other options involve varying degrees of payment that could lead to consumer loss without adequate assurance of service completion or quality. For example, a significant deposit or full payment in advance lacks the security that a no-upfront-payment policy provides, increasing the risk of falling victim to a scam.