Greg's Corner

Roofing scam targets seniors

By Greg Collier

In the neighborhoods of Queens, New York, a disturbing trend is emerging. Home repair scammers are preying on vulnerable seniors. These heartless individuals masquerade as contractors offering essential repairs, only to vanish with thousands of dollars, leaving behind shattered trust and financial devastation.

One such victim is an 80-year-old resident of Queens. On a seemingly ordinary day, a construction truck pulled up outside her home, marking the beginning of her ordeal. A persuasive man approached her door, claiming to be a contractor working on her neighbor’s roof. He alleged to have noticed issues with her own roof, offering a free estimate.

In a moment of vulnerability, the victim, trusting the stranger’s words, allowed him to inspect her roof. Deceived by fabricated images of non-existent damage, she was coerced into believing urgent repairs were needed. Despite never experiencing leaks, fear gripped her, and she succumbed to the scammer’s convincing facade.

The scammer, employing manipulative tactics, presented a contract and demanded a hefty down payment of $10,000, later reduced to $5,500 in cash. The following day, workers descended upon her home, dismantling her roof under false pretenses.

As days passed, the scam unfolded. The scammers kept demanding more money, draining the victim of a staggering $31,000. It wasn’t until a vigilant bank employee intervened that the harsh reality dawned on her that she was a victim of fraud.

When a stranger arrives at your doorstep claiming to be a contractor working on a neighbor’s house or offering leftover materials from a previous job, alarm bells should ring. These seemingly innocent encounters often serve as the initial ploy in a larger scheme to defraud unsuspecting homeowners. It’s crucial not to grant access to your property or roof to individuals employing such tactics, as they may intentionally cause damage to fabricate the need for repairs.

Moreover, skepticism is warranted when confronted with claims of damage that you haven’t personally observed. Trusting solely in the words of strangers, especially when it comes to the integrity of your home, can lead to costly repercussions. Always rely on your own assessment and seek multiple opinions from reputable contractors before committing to any repairs.

By exercising caution and refusing to be swayed by persuasive pitches, homeowners can effectively thwart attempts by scammers to exploit their trust and financial resources.