'I didn’t know what to think': This 79-year-old Arizona woman says she was pressured into paying $4,911 for a garage door repair — a 600% markup. Here's what she should have done

What happened?

When Anderson’s garage door finally gave out and slammed to the ground, she told AZFamily News that she contacted a company by the name of Garage Door and Gates Service. A technician told her two springs and two metal drums needed replacing — an urgent fix, he said, and one Anderson agreed to. But when the invoice came, she was stunned by the total: $4,911.88.

That number doesn’t add up, according to several garage repair companies interviewed by AZFamily News, who said the job should have cost between $300 and $700.

According to Angi (formerly Angie’s List), the average garage door repair costs just $263, with most homeowners paying between $155 and $378, depending on the door and damage. That makes Anderson’s nearly $5,000 bill a glaring outlier.

To make matters worse, Anderson felt intimidated into paying.

“I was cautious,” she said, admitting she felt too nervous to dispute the bill with the technician in her house.

When reporter Gary Harper called the repair company and asked for an explanation of the bill, a woman on the line said the company would call reporters back. But that call never came.

Harper helped Anderson call her bank and dispute the charges. Her bank has temporarily refunded the money while they investigate the dispute. For now, the cash is back in her account, but the emotional and financial stress lingers.

Invest in real estate without the headache of being a landlord

Imagine owning a portfolio of thousands of well-managed single family rentals or a collection of cutting-edge industrial warehouses. You can now gain access to a $1B portfolio of income-producing real estate assets designed to deliver long-term growth from the comforts of your couch.

The best part? You don’t have to be a millionaire and can start investing in minutes.

Learn More

How to avoid getting overcharged on repairs

Unfortunately, Anderson’s story isn’t unique. While contractors are generally honest, bad actors can exploit urgent repair needs, especially among elderly homeowners. The FBI warns that home repair scams are a common form of elder fraud, which affects millions of Americans each year.

Here are a few ways to help protect yourself or a loved one.

Research vendors before you call

Take the time to find a trustworthy contractor. Look for companies with strong reviews, check the Better Business Bureau and ask neighbors for referrals.

Ask about pricing upfront

Before any work begins, ask for a written estimate. Reputable companies will explain what parts are needed and how much they cost, so you won’t be hit with a surprise later.

Get multiple quotes

It’s always smart to call at least two or three companies, even if one is available sooner. A little extra time could save you hundreds — or thousands — of dollars.

Have a trusted friend or family member present

If you’re unsure about a contractor or worry you'll feel pressured, have someone with you during the visit. It can help discourage upselling and make you feel more confident asking questions.

If you — or someone you care about — has been overcharged for home repairs, contact your bank immediately and consider filing a complaint with the state attorney general or consumer protection office.