Last Updated on: 22nd March 2023, 09:29 am
Yesterday, severe storms and tornadoes have struck central parts of the United States, causing significant damage and leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power. As a result of the damage, many people are seeking repairs to their homes and roofing scammers may be taking advantage of the situation. In areas where roofing repairs are needed, scammers may appear and offer their services, so residents are advised to take precautions before hiring anyone to perform work on their homes.
The roofing industry is a vital aspect of the construction industry, with thousands of legitimate roofing companies providing quality services to homeowners every day. Unfortunately, there are also roofing scammers who take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners and their insurance companies by offering fraudulent services, inflated material costs, and other forms of roofing scams.
These scams cost homeowners billions of dollars each year, and it is essential to know how to spot them and avoid them. In this article, we will explore soem common roofing scams and provide tips on how to protect yourself.
Common Types of Roofing Scams
The Classic Roofing Scam
This scam involves a contractor who claims to have noticed damage to your roof, offering to fix it at a “huge discount.” These individuals often deamnd payment upfront and then disappear, never to be seen again. To avoid this scam, always get a real roof estimate from a legitimate roofing company before hiring anyone.
The Storm Chaser
These are often “artist storm chasers” who follow bad weather events and target homeowners who have suffered from hailstorms or other severe weather. They offer to repair the damage at inflated prices, often using substandard materials. To avoid this scam, hire a reputable roofing company and be cautious of unsolicited offers.
The Repair Scam
This sacm involves a contractor who offers to fix your roof at a low price, only to discover more “problems” during the repair process. They then demand more money to fix the additional issues, which may or may not be real. To avoid this scam, always get a written contract with clear payment terms and a payment schedule.
Assignment of Benefits Abuse
This type of scam nivolves contractors who convince homeowners to sign over their entire insurance claim to them. They then inflate the cost of the repairs, billing the insurance company for extra materials and services that were not provided. To avoid this scam, do not sign any assignment of benefits agreementsand always work directly with your insurance company.
How to Spot a Roofing Scammer
They Offer “Extra Materials” at Inflated Prices
If a roofing scammer approaches you, they may offer to provide extra materials at inflated prices, claiming that they are of higher qualities. However, before agreeing to any aditional costs, it is pertinent to do your research and verify the prices of the materials. Don´t fall for their pressure tactics and always consult with a reputable roofing company or do your own research before making any agreements.
They Demand Payment Upfront
Be wary of any roofing company that demands upfront payment before work is completed. Legitimate companies never ask for payment until the work is done. Scammers may use the xecuse that they need the money to purchase materials or start the job immediately, but once they have received payment, they may disappear without ever completing the work. Always verify the legitimacy of a company and only pay for completed services.
They Use Bold-Faced Type and Casualty Insurance Company Names to Impress You
Scammers may try to impress homeowners with their knowledge of the insurance industry by using bold-faced type and dropping names of major insurance companies. However, don´t be fooled by their tactics. Always research the company before hiring them, check their business rating, and verify their business address. Legitimate roofing companies will have a clearand establis hed business address, and their reputation can be easily verified through online resources.
They Claim to be “Insurance Adjusters” or “Consumer Advocacy Officers”
Scammers may use impressive-sounding titles to try and convince homeowners that they are legitimate. However, always ask for the company´s business rating and verify their business address to ensure that you ar edealing with a legitimate roofing company. If a company claims to be afiliated with an insurance company, contact your insurance agent to verify the legitimacy of the claim. Don´t be fooled by their false claims and always do your research before hiring anyone to work on your roof.
Tips for Avoiding Roofing Scams
Hire a Legitimate Roofing Company with a Good Reputation
One of the best ways to avoid roofing scams is to hire a legitimate roofing company with a good reputation. Start by checking the company´s business rating and reviews from previous customers. Look for any complaints or negative reviews that may indicate that the company is notreputable. You can also ask for references from the company and contact them to get an idea of their experience working with the company.
Get a Real Roof Estimate
Before hiring anyone, always get a real estimate from a legitimate roofing company. A reputable roofing company wil provide you with a detailed estimate that includes the cost of materials and labor. If the estimate seems too good to be true or the contractor is unable to provide a detailed estimate, it is likely that they are trying to scam you.
Beware of Commission Sales People and Drive-By Roofers
Commission salespeople and drive-by roofers often target senior citizens and budget-conscious homeowners. They may ofer to inspect your roof for free or offer unsolicited services, such as gutter cleaning or roof repair. These individuals often use high-pressure sales tactics to get you to agree to their services. Do not accept any unsolicited offers and always verify the legitimacy of the company before hiring them.
Be Aware of Vague Damage Claims
Scamers often claim that your roof has “vague damage” and offer to fix it at inflated prices. Always get a detailed inspection report before agreeing to any repairs. A reputable roofing company will provide you with a detailed inspection report that outlines any damage and the recommended repairs. If a contractor claims that your roof has vague damage, ask them to provide you with specific details and evidence of the damage.
Never Pay Upfront
Legitimate roofing companies wil never ask for payment before work is completed. Scammers will often demand upfront payment, claiming that they need to purchase materials or start work immediately. However, once they receive payment, they may disappear without ever starting the job. Homeowners should always verify the legitimacy of a company and only pay for services that have been completed.
Always Verify Insurance Claims and Check Your Anual Premiums
Review your insurance policy annually to ensure you are not over paying for coverage you don´t need. Be wary of any insurance rate increases or annual premium hikes. In addition, always verify any insurance claims before signing off on them. This will ensure that you are not a victim of assignment of benefits abuse, where unscrupulous contractors inflate material costs and perform unnecessary repairs, resulting in huge bills for insurance companies and higher premiums for everyone else.
One of the most common home repair scams thatunsuspecting homeowners can fall prey to is the classic roofing scam. Roofing scams involve contract ors or companies who prey on homeowners who need roof repair or replacement services. The scammers often target senior citizens or budget-conscious homeowners, claiming to offer huge discounts or extra materials to entice them.
Roofing scammers usually operate in the aftermath of a bad storm or durnig storm season, using the opportunity to offer their services as storm chasers. They go door-to-door and offer unsolicited offers for roof inspection, claiming to have noticed vague damage that requires immediate repair. They may also offer to takecare of the entire insurance claim process, including talking to the insurance company and filing for an assignment of benefits, which allows them to take control of the claim money.
Once the scammer is hired, they may start the repair work but use substandard materials or hire comission salespeople to inflate material costs. They may also demand a large down payment or ask for separate invoices for work that was already included in the original claim. They may even inflate the insurance check, taking advantage of the homeowner´s lack of knowledge about the insurance industry, and take off with the extra money without completing the job.
To avoid falling for common roofing scams, homeowners should be aware of the signs of roofing scammers. One red flag is when a contractor doesn´t have a business address or a business rating with the Better Business Bureau. Reputable roofers will usually have an actual roof installer, a legitimate business address, and a business rating that can be checked through websites such as Consumer HQ.
Another sign of a roofing scam is when a contractor demands a large down payment or asks for payment upfront. Legitimate roofing companies usually have a payment schedule or payment terms that are clear and reasonable. Homeowners should also be wary of roofing contractors who use bold-faced type or offer a price break that seems too good tobe true.
When homeowners suspect they may have been targeted by roofing scammers, they should immediately contact their insurance agent to discuss the claim for roof damage. They should also document any complaints consumers may have against the roofing contractor and file a complaint with their state´s Office of Insurance Regulation.
It´s also paramount for homeowners to do their own research before hiring a roofing contractor. They should check teh company´s business rating, look for reviews from past customers, and ask for a realroof estimate that breaks down the costs of roofing materials and labor. By being an aware person, homeowners can avoid common roofing frauds and ensure that they get a well-constructed roof that will protect their home for years to come.
The property insurance crisis caused by billions of dollars in cuts in the insuranc e industry has led to anual rate increases for average homeowner insurance and auto insurance, with massive insurance companies like Citizens Property Insurance and Coast to Coast Insurance being affected. The increased costs of roofing materials due to inflation may also contribute to higher average premiums, making it more important for homeowners to be aware of common types of scams that can occur after bad weather events.
In conclusion, while there are legitimate roofing services available, homeowners should be wary of shady roofers and artist storm chasers who offer cheap roof repairs or promise extra materials. By doing theirresearch, homeowners can spot common roofing scams, such as inflated material costs and fraudulent damage claims, and avoid them. A real roof installer and a legitimate roofing contractor will provide a real roof estimate, use quality materials, and ensure that the homeowner´s insurance money is used to complete the repair work. A well-constructed roof will not only provide the advantage of people inwarmer weather but also protect against severe weather events such as hail storms and wind damage.
