(Newswire.net — April 8, 2016) — In 2016, we’re used to internet scams where people pretend to be someone they’re not in order to get money from you. These cons are becoming easier and easier to spot. But many people don’t recognize when they’re being scammed for a larger issue, such as roof repair.
The most common form of roofing scam happens when a contractor asks for a large sum of money upfront, and then never follows through. Many scammers will go to great lengths to fool you. They’ll rent an office, print business cards, hire customer service reps, and print fake certifications to hang on their fake office walls. They’ll even show you a stain on your ceiling, saying you have a leak when it’s just a blemish.
It’s easy to be fooled by these scams, but if you’re prepared and know what to look for, you can evade being duped.
Here are a few things you should watch for in regards to roofing scams this year.
Disappearing Down Payments
This common scam occurs when a so-called roofer promises to replace or repair your roof, but they require a down payment first to pay for labor or buy materials. But once they have the check in hand, they disappear.
Other times, the salesman will ask for a down payment at first, and then return later saying that the check bounced or that they never received payment. This is a fairly easy trick to spot for those who are technically savvy, but it’s more common for the elderly who don’t always check their bank statements.
As a general rule of thumb, don’t offer a down payment to a roofing company until the supplies have been delivered.
Door-to-Door Roof Salesmen
If a roofer comes to your door saying he noticed severe roof damage that needs repaired or replaced, pursue the conversation with a degree of skepticism. Con artists often target homes in areas where storms are common. They’ll show up the day after a storm, promising a free inspection and quote.
Sometimes, the hustler will replace the roof, but they’ll only do the bare minimum, while charging you for the royal treatment. They’ll put on new shingles, but do a shoddy job, and avoid fixing some of the underlying structural issues. It will look brand new, but fall apart again within five years.
The majority of certified, professional roofers won’t go door to door looking for business. They’ll advertise through business cards, signs, and other means, but they won’t show up to your door promising free inspections.
High Pressure Tactics
Some scammers will schedule a free consultation with you, and arrive with a contract in hand. They’ll promise a special deal with a low-rate special that only lasts for 24 hours. They’ll use high pressure tactics to get you to sign on the spot.
When the homeowner begins to question or refute the contractor’s claims, the salesman will “sweeten” the deal by making dishonest claims or tricking the owner to sign a legally binding contract.
No self-respecting, certified contractor will try to force you into signing a contract immediately. They’ll be honest with you and won’t make claims of grandeur.
Mysterious Business Cards
If you ever receive a business card of leaflet with a message claiming your roof needs replaced, simply throw it away. These people promise to work with your insurance company and offer low rates in order to fix a specific problem, but as soon as you send them any money, the “contractors” disappear without a trace.
These scammers try to target first-time homeowners, assuming they won’t know any better. But if you do your research and evaluate these special offers before committing, you’ll be able to avoid some of the most common roofing scams. Good luck!