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Roofing scams tend to pop up after big storms. BBB Scam Tracker often receives reports of shady “free” roof inspections. Homeowners should know how to recognize these cons and always hire businesses they can trust.
How the scam works
You receive a call, or someone shows up at the door claiming to represent a roofing company that is working in your area. (Sometimes con artists use the names of legitimate companies, so always check BBB.org first to learn the real address, phone number, and name of the real company).
Note: BBB Accredited Businesses promise to adhere to BBB's Standards for Trust, so look for the BBB Accredited Business Seal when hiring a roofer. It's the Sign of a Better Business.
The fake “roofer” offers a free inspection or an on-the-spot roof repair. Why, you ask? The person may claim that their company is working on a neighbor’s home and is offering inspections to those living nearby, or they just happened to notice your damaged roof. But if you ask questions about where the business is located or how their services work - if you're not dealing with an honest company, you’ll most likely be met with vague answers. If you are speaking on the phone to a con artist, they may hang up if pressed for more details.
If you accept the free inspection from a con artist, the dishonest “inspector” shows up at your house. If they don’t find enough wear and tear to merit a whole new roof, they may fabricate it, by tearing off shingles to mimic wind damage (so pay attention and watch what they do). Or they may show you pictures of someone else’s damaged roof. Don’t hire a company that does this! Repairs from such a dishonest business are not likely to be high quality.
One person shared this experience on BBB Scam Tracker, "Perpetrators came to my dad's home saying he needed roof repair as they were "working on homes in the neighborhood" & noticed a small hole in his shingle. Dad trusted them & allowed them to go up on the roof & "fix" the hole. They came down with a pre-ripped shingle in their pocket to "show" him the damaged one. It did not match his current roof shingles. From there it escalated into moss removal (which was not done), fixing woodpecker holes in his siding (filling with spray foam), pouring a concrete walkway (VERY poor quality that any legit contractor would not have done), saying he needed foundation work done to fix his "bowing wall" & ultimately ended up putting paint up on the side of his home that he did not ask for forcing him into accepting more work...They did not allow my dad to say no. When he told them he was out of money, they coached him through how to take out a HELOC, move money from his 401K & his pension. They stood over his shoulder coaching him through moving money so he could pay them more. They never provided a legitimate business name, card, email or scope of service proposal or invoice. Dad just kept paying them every time they asked for more. He felt like he couldn't say no."
How to avoid roofing scams
- Beware of unsolicited offers. Many scams begin with a contractor who “just happens to be in the area” and notices your roof or home appears to need repairs from the outside. Roofing scams typically increase in frequency after a powerful storm, so stay alert. Legitimate roofers may also be in the area, so be savvy enough to check BBB.org and do your homework before hiring.
- Get your insurance company to inspect your roof, and/or get a second opinion. Filing a claim with your insurance company goes on your record and could affect future claims or your continued coverage. Before signing any paperwork or contracts with a roofing company, you can have your insurance company come out for an inspection to verify the need for repairs or replacements. You can also call another reputable roofing company to take a look.
- Research roofing companies before you hire. Look at a company’s business rating on BBB.org. Keep a close eye on previous reviews and any complaints other consumers might have had. Doing your own research is one of the best ways to know if a roofing company is reputable or just a cover for a scam.
For more information
To learn more about hiring a roofing company, see BBB.org/Roofing. You can also find valuable information at BBB.org/ScamTips and our Consumer HQ.
If you’ve been the victim of a roofing scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker immediately. Your report will help alert others to the danger.