How it works

Roofing scams are common in the spring and summer and after a major storm.

The scammer may knock on your door and say they are working in your area and they have material leftover from another job. They say that they noticed your roof may need to be replaced or repaired and offer a free inspection. If you allow them to perform the inspection, they may actually cause damage to your roof and take pictures of the damage or point it out to you.

Another scenario is that after a storm they approach you and say they are checking homes in the area for damage and of course they claim to find damage to your roof.

They may use scare tactics and exaggerate the damage. They do this so they can overbill you or your insurance company.

If you fall for the scam and allow them to do the work, they will often use low quality materials and the work may be unprofessional and not done properly.

How to avoid the scam

Never respond to unsolicited offers either by phone, mail or by someone showing up at your home.

Never allow a stranger to inspect your roof.

If you want to have work done on your home, contact a reputable company yourself. Always check the company’s credentials with the Better Business Bureau

If you suspect storm damage to your roof, call your insurance company. Schedule an appointment with their adjuster to inspect the damage. Your claim could be denied if the insurance company doesn’t inspect the damage first.

When you have any type of work done at your home get everything in writing. A legitimate business will provide a contract. The contract should include an estimated start and finish date, a detailed description of the job and the work that will be done, the cost of the materials, payment agreements and warranty information. Read it carefully before signing.

Get quotes from multiple contractors before selecting a company.

Hire only licensed, insured contractors.

Most contractors will ask for a portion of the payment up front and will collect the remaining balance when the job is complete. Never pay the total cost before the job is finished and you are satisfied the work has been done correctly and the terms of the contract have been met.

Use a safe payment method. Credit cards offer more protection than cash, a check, or a debit card.

When hiring any company to do a job get the name of the business and name of the owner, phone number, address, website address and references. Verify all of the information before signing a contract.

Report scams to the FTC Federal Trade Commission

https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/

Also call your local police department to report the scam.