Just like crocuses and daffodils, new scams emerge around this time of year.

Warmer weather brings out individuals who knock on your door with offers to make repairs to your home, driveway or yard. They might say that they have materials, such as asphalt left over from a previous job, offering a deal to pave your driveway today. They might say they noticed a problem with your chimney and offer to repair it for you on the spot.

The adage “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true” comes to mind here. Very often, these offers come from individuals who take your money and run — or they may take your money and start the project but never come back to finish.

Another variation is that scammers start the project and then claim they found additional problems and pressure the homeowner for more money to fix them. The workmanship may be shoddy or incomplete because they might not be qualified to do the work or they may take shortcuts.

And then, when you discover a problem with the work, you likely won’t be able to reach them to come back and fix the problem.

In other cases, a homeowner is quoted one price at the start of the work but pressured to pay a higher price once the work is complete.

There are ways to protect yourself from such scam attempts. One is to notice red flags, such as being pressured to act quickly; being told to pay for everything up front; working with someone who will only accept cash. My advice is to never pay the entire bill before the project is complete and, importantly, you are satisfied with the work.

Instead, refuse to be rushed. Before you agree to have any work done at your home, check references, seek bids from other companies and get written estimates that detail the work and outlines all the costs. The company should provide proof of insurance.

Some projects require a building permit, so check with the city or town before the work begins. Certain projects may require that the contractor be licensed by the state. Information about licensure and home improvement contracts can be found at mass.gov/info-details/homeowners-guide-to-hiring-a-home-improvement-contractor.

Other solicitors may come knocking at your door selling other products or services or asking for charitable donations. They may offer to help you save money on your electric bill, or they could be selling products such as home security systems.

The first thing to remember is that you do not have to speak to them — or let them into your home. I suggest you ask to see identification before letting them in.

Again, I suggest you refuse to be hurried. Solicitors may use high-pressure sales tactics and try to get you to decide quickly. Firmly tell them you need time to think about it. Ask for a business card and brochure. This will allow you to look into the business and the service they’re offering to follow up later if you’re interested.

Some salespeople will use a tablet or laptop while making their pitch. They may ask you to sign the contract on the device. If you don’t feel comfortable reading a contract while they are watching you, ask for a paper copy so you can read on your own.

Before signing any contract, find out if there is a cooling-off period in case you change your mind. A cooling-off period gives you three days to cancel certain purchases made at a place other than a seller’s usual place of business, such as at your home. It applies to the items or services that cost more than $25. The consumer must notify the seller in writing no later than midnight of the third business day after signing the contract.

The cooling-off period only applies to in-person sales, not those made over the phone, by mail or with online purchases. More information about your right to cancel can be found here: consumer.ftc.gov/articles/buyers-remorse-ftcs-cooling-rule-may-help.

When charities come knocking, remember that you are not obligated to donate or buy anything. Don’t feel obligated to donate on the spot if you are not familiar with the charity. Ask for information, do some research and send a donation later if you wish. The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office has information about charities registered in our state at mass.gov/orgs/the-attorney-generals-non-profit-organizationspublic-charities-division. If the individual claims to be from a local organization, call the organization and confirm that they are conducting a fundraiser.

Finally, if someone knocking at your door makes you feel uncomfortable, try to get a description of the vehicle and license plate number and report them to the police department.

If you have a question about any consumer issue or would like more information about frauds and scams, please contact the Consumer Protection Unit at 413-586-9225 in Northampton or 413-774-3186 in Greenfield, or visit our website northwesternda.org/consumer-protection-unit.

Anita Wilson is the director of the Consumer Protection Unit at the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office.