Don’t become a victim twice; keep roofing scammers at bay

Fortunately, the recent winter storm wasn’t as bad as many feared it would be. That won’t keep professional scammers from making their way through North Carolina neighborhoods, hoping to rip off hard-working residents.

That always happens following a major weather event, such as an ice storm, snowstorm, hurricane or tornado.

If your house has been damaged by the storm, I encourage you to be on guard for scam artists who’d love to make you a victim a second time.

In the days and weeks following a storm, when homeowners are looking for ways to repair the storm damage, roofing scammers will come out of the woodwork to take advantage of consumers. Often, a scammer will take a homeowner’s money, including insurance money, but never deliver on the services they promised.

Here’s a red flag: An unsolicited salesperson offering to go up on your roof to inspect it for storm damage. Some scammers will climb up on the roof alone and create damage where none existed before.

Here are a few tips I suggest you follow before contracting for roofing services:

• Beware of contractor or roofing representatives going door-to-door after a disaster. 
• Call your insurance agent or insurance company before signing a contract or paying for repairs.  
• Don’t let the contractor work directly with your insurance company unless your agent gives approval.
•  Work with only licensed and insured contractors.
• Get more than one estimate. Don’t be pushed into signing a contract right away.
• Get everything in writing. The cost and the type of work to be done, time schedule, guarantees, payment schedule and other expectations should be detailed.
• Require references and check them out. 
• Check out roofing companies through the Better Business Bureau or through online clearinghouses. Don’t be afraid to Google the business.
• Ask to see the salesperson’s driver’s license. Write down the license number. Also take down his or her license plate number.
• Never sign a contract with blanks. Fraudulent contractors may enter unacceptable terms later.
• Never pay a contractor in full or sign a completion certificate until the work is finished.

When a homeowner is trying to recover from a disaster, this can seem overwhelming. If you need help or have questions, call your insurance agent. Or you can call the Department of Insurance to speak to a consumer specialist at 855-408-1212 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You may also visit us online at www.ncdoi.gov.

To report suspected roofing or contractor fraud, contact the Department’s Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840 or toll-free from anywhere in North Carolina at 888-680-7684.