Scams are everywhere. Criminals are always on the prowl, looking to take advantage of their next victim. In the 21st century, people have been lulled into a false sense of security with regards to scams outside of the internet. From email and phishing scams to entire data breaches and hacks, it seems like the “real world” is the only place where this sort of stuff doesn’t happen. In reality, scams can hit people when they least expect it – even in the roofing industry. Here are some common roofing scams and ways you can protect yourself.
Insurance Swindlers
Some sketchy roofers may offer to deal with the insurance company on your behalf. While this might seem like a nice gesture at first glance, there’s usually trouble lurking behind this deceptive ploy. You see, roofers dealing with insurance companies directly can quote one price while charging you something different. The scamming roofers pocket the difference and no one is any the wiser. It’s always smart to be the one dealing with your insurance company. Not only can you avoid scams, but you can stay on top of important financial decisions.
Non-Existent Damage
As a homeowner, you probably have a good idea about the condition of your property, including the roof. Most causes of roof damage such as hail, falling tree limbs, high winds, and sheer neglect won’t go unnoticed by the average homeowner. If you’ve recently checked your roof and didn’t find any issues, be wary of any roofer who tried to claim that it has significant damage. Don’t be fooled by a fancy truck, work outfit, and “professional” background. You can either ignore these suggestions if you’re confident in your assessment, or you can hire another roofer to gain a second opinion.
Storm Scammers
While you should avoid all scammers, those who attack after storms are some of the worst. These scammers wait until a bad storm hits a particular area before swooping in and offering to fix roofs for a cheap price. Some telltale signs of these scammers are the speed at which they arrive after a storm hits, their insistence that your roof needs to be fixed immediately, and a pushiness to use only their service. If you accept their services, your roof will receive a poor repair job and you’ll be forking over more money for real repairs before you know it.
DOWN PAYMENT Delinquents
Down payments aren’t unheard of with most large transactions including when you buy a home or car. However, homeowners should always think twice about making a down payment on smaller projects, especially when it comes to roof repairs. There’s a certain group of scammers who lie to homeowners by telling them that a down payment is needed in order to pay workers, buy materials, and secure other items before work can begin. Usually, these roofers run for the hills once the check is made and are never heard from again. You should always avoid making a down payment on a roofing project when no work has been started.
When being solicited by roofers or reaching out on your own, it’s always important to keep an eye out for these potential scams.
More Tips from Your Kyle Roofing Contractors
Interested in more ways you can protect yourself against? Our Kyle roofing team would recommend our in-depth post detailing the “Free Roof” scam, one of the most common we’ve seen in the industry. You may also be interested in our more general guide on avoiding home improvement scams. And as always, don’t hesitate to contact your Kyle roofing team at Divided Sky!