They say the only thing that comes free with homeownership is headaches. But when someone offers you a free roof inspection after a summer storm, the real headache might just be starting.
In this edition, we're uncovering a seasonal scam that's back with the warm weather and could hit your wallet hard if you’re not careful. Let’s dive in.
Scammers posing as roofers are knocking on doors and offering free inspections — but what they’re really looking for is a fast track to your insurance payout or your hard-earned savings.
How It Works:
- The Approach: After a storm, someone either calls you or knocks on your door claiming to be from a roofing company (often using a name like "Georgia Roofing" or "Alabama Construction").
- The Inspection: They offer a free roof inspection, and once up there, they may fake or even cause damage to create the illusion of a serious problem.
- The Pressure: They push you to sign a contract on the spot or insist you file an insurance claim immediately — with their company handling the repairs.
- The Trap: Some homeowners end up with shoddy work, inflated bills, or no work at all after handing over a deposit or insurance payment.
Who’s Targeted:
- Homeowners, especially in storm-prone areas during spring and summer.
- Seniors who might be less likely to climb onto the roof and verify damage themselves.
- New homeowners who may not know what standard roof maintenance looks like.
Real-Life Example:
The BBB Scam Tracker has been flooded with reports from homeowners across the South, Midwest, and beyond.
One homeowner shared:
"They said I had storm damage and needed emergency repairs. They showed me blurry photos I couldn't verify and pressured me to sign immediately. I later found out from a licensed roofer there was no real damage."
Why You Should Care:
A fake roofing scam can leave you with:
- Unnecessary and expensive repairs you didn’t need.
- Insurance fraud issues if false claims are filed in your name.
- Potential legal trouble if you're unknowingly involved in a scam against your insurer.
- A damaged home if actual needed repairs are done poorly or not at all.
And once the scammers disappear, you’re left footing the bill — or worse, fighting an uphill battle with your insurance company.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Always verify a roofing company’s license, insurance, and reviews before agreeing to anything.
- Get multiple estimates — at least three — before deciding on any repairs.
- Never sign a contract or insurance assignment on the spot.
- Be skeptical of unsolicited offers, especially after a storm.
- Ask for detailed inspection reports with photos before authorizing work.
Quick Tips & Updates:
Quick Tip #1: Did you know? A legitimate roofer will rarely pressure you for an immediate decision, especially right after an inspection.
Pro Tip: Always contact your homeowner’s insurance company directly after a storm. They can recommend trusted inspectors and guide you through the claims process properly.
Stay safe, stay informed.
Keywords Defined:
- Roofing Scam: A fraudulent offer of roofing services often involving fake damage assessments or pressure to sign insurance claim rights away.
- BBB (Better Business Bureau): A nonprofit organization focused on advancing marketplace trust and exposing business scams.
- Insurance Assignment: A legal agreement where you give a contractor control over your insurance claim payments, often risky if abused.
- Free Roof Inspection: A common lure used by scammers to gain access to your roof and fabricate damages.
- Storm Chaser: A term for contractors (legitimate or fake) who follow storms to areas of recent damage, often leading to rushed or shady repairs.
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