Greg's Corner

Repair scams plague storm victims

By Greg Collier

We didn’t intend for it to be disaster week here on the blog, but that’s how the news cycle went this week. However, today’s story shows that a disaster doesn’t have to be a major catastrophe like the ongoing Maui wildfires. It can be as something as simple as a storm. This week, portions of Minnesota and Wisconsin dealt with severe weather that included hail storms. Some areas received golf ball sized hailstones. When hailstones become that big, they can do a number on your home, especially your roof.

While roof damage can be a major inconvenience in someone’s life, the damage isn’t too small where scammers won’t show up to someone’s door offering their repair services. One man in Minnesota who does have roof damage from the storm told local media he’s had nine supposed roof repairmen show up at his door. The man said that all nine looked like they were from legitimate contractors, but legitimate looking credentials can be easily counterfeited by scammers.

The roof repair scam is a type of fraudulent activity where scammers pose as legitimate roof repair contractors but engage in deceitful practices to exploit homeowners. These scams typically involve offering roof repair services at a seemingly attractive price, but the quality of work is often subpar or unnecessary.

Scammers might knock on doors, make unsolicited phone calls, or send out flyers offering their services. They may claim to have noticed issues with the homeowner’s roof that require immediate attention, such as damage after a hail storm.

Scammers often provide extremely low bids compared to legitimate contractors, making their offer seem like a great deal. Homeowners are enticed by the prospect of saving money on necessary repairs.

To start the work, scammers may demand upfront payments or a substantial deposit. Once they have the money, they might either perform minimal, shoddy repairs or vanish without completing any work. They could also begin the repair work but leave it incomplete, citing unexpected complications or issues that require additional funds to resolve.

To protect yourself from falling victim to a roof repair scam, always research contractors before hiring them. Look for reviews, check their website and contact information, and verify their credentials. Get quotes from multiple contractors to compare pricing and recommended repairs. Seek recommendations from friends, family, or neighbors who have had positive experiences with roofing contractors. Lastly, be wary of contractors who pressure you into making quick decisions or demand immediate payment.

By being cautious and thorough in your evaluation of potential contractors, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to a roof repair scam.