Avoid Three Common Roofing Scams
1. Take the Money and Run
This is the simplest kind of roofing scam. Typically, someone will knock on a target's door and say that they're doing work in the neighborhood. Because they're already there, they can do more work on the same block for less money. Unsuspecting victims believe them, and they talk about the work that needs to be done. The scammer will then tell them that they need some cash to run to the store and buy supplies. The criminal reassures the victim that they don't want payment for the work being done until after the job is complete...but they need operating money. This is where the roofing scam succeeds or fails. If the victim gives them cash, they leave and never come back. If they don't cough up the dough, the scammer moves on.
Legitimate roofers operate with integrity. They want to be in business in the same area for a long time, and good relationships with clients is an important part of their business. Part of this process includes being prepared for the job, and not rushing homeowners into making quick decisions. If someone comes to your door offering discounted roofing, be careful...they could be trying to rob you. Solution: get more than one estimate for your home improvement projects.
2. Free Inspections
Possibly the most common scam, often targeted at senior citizens. A friendly young man knocks on the door and explains that he hasn't had much work lately...so he's working extra hard. While doing free roof inspections for the neighbors, he's learned that the previous roofing contractor didn't do a very good job. Concerned for the senior's welfare, he offers to do an inspection on their home. If they need roof repairs, this nice man can do it for less than usual because he's already going to be in the neighborhood.
While this offer sounds good, it's seldom true. The free inspection almost always turns into bad news: the senior homeowner definitely needs work done. Because most seniors can't go up on the roof with the roofer, they can't verify his story. As with other scams, the nice young man needs a decision right away. The victim is usually scared into making a quick decision. While these roofers tend to actually DO the work, they usually do sub-standard work at inflated prices. Solution: get more than one inspection before deciding to begin repairs.
3. Insurance Fraud
This scam requires the homeowner to participate. When a homeowner actually needs their roof repaired, unscrupulous roofing contractors will sometimes entice them to break the law. Here's how it works: rather than paying out of their own pocket for needed repairs, the homeowner is convinced to file an insurance claim. To make the claim credible, the roofer and homeowner often conspire to do damage to the roof, typically claiming that wind did the damage. The homeowner wants to save money on his repairs, and the roofer often suggests waiving the insurance deductible.
While it may seem like a good idea to let the 'big, bad' insurance company pay the bill, homeowners are at risk in this situation. When they file a fraudulent claim, they're guilty of insurance fraud. Insurance companies take fraud very seriously, and many homeowners are caught and prosecuted. The contractor often escapes notice, as his estimate is carefully written to avoid the appearance of wrongdoing. Solution: ask whether hefty fines or jail time are worth the risk just to save some money.
Trust Heartland
Heartland Roofing has operated with integrity since its founding. We've built our business on honesty, expertise, and hard work. If you think you've been the target of a roofing scam, give us a call.
