The Definitive Guide on How to Avoid Roofing Scams
Welcome to our guide on how to avoid roofing scams. Roofing scams are a major problem in the home improvement industry. Many homeowners do not understand how to avoid becoming victims of a fraudulent contractor. However, if you are interested in getting a new roof, there are a number of ways to avoid becoming a victim. One of the most common is to hire a roofer who is not reputable. Despite this, it is still possible to get ripped off. Listed below are some common ways that homeowners can protect themselves from these fraudulent companies.
The “Vanishing Down Payment” Roof Scam
The first roofing scam we’ll discuss involves a “vanishing down payment”. During this scam, a roofer will provide an outrageously low quote and leave town without doing any work. Typically, the con artist will have a large inventory of materials and will offer a deep discount. This method is the most common among roofing scams. It’s also the easiest to fall victim to. Luckily, there are several ways to protect yourself from becoming a victim of a roofing scam.
Roofing Over The Phone Scams
Among the most common scams is the unsolicited sales call scam. These unscrupulous salespeople pose as roofing contractors and will call you to ask for money. They may pretend to diagnose a problem on your roof and show pictures. Once they collect their money, they leave town without completing the work. This method of roofing scams is common among rogue contractors, and you can easily fall victim to this type of fraud.
“Rogue Roofing Company” Scam
Have you ever received a quote from a rogue roofing company? Always make sure to verify the company’s license and insurance. If a company uses high-pressure sales tactics to gain your business, you are dealing with a potential roofing scam. Often, such companies are hard to locate online, lack local references, and display out-of-state license plates. Likewise, scammers often charge a fee to place a bid, which is illegal. A legitimate contractor will not ask for a fee before providing a quote to you.
Roofer Insurance Fraud
Another common roofing scam is insurance fraud. Those who don’t know about insurance fraud should always check the BBB and online reviews of their potential roofing company. The BBB is a great resource for finding complaints about a contractor. Whether a roofing scam is committed by a roofing contractor, he or she is still subject to a criminal investigation. A consumer-friendly website will let you see if a company has ever been sued for insurance fraud.
Lastly, a roofing scam can occur by a contractor trying to commit insurance fraud. Some fraudulent companies use substandard materials and charge an inflated price to repair a roof. You should always check the company’s license before hiring them. You should also check their licensing. Most contractors need to have insurance to do business in your area. Ensure the company is licensed to work in your area. A licensed roofer will be happy to provide a valid license, but it is not required.