North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey is offering tips to avoid roofing scams in the wake of the arrest of a roofing company owner who did not perform roof replacement work after collecting money from homeowners and insurance companies to do so.
“Hurricane season is still upon us and potentially damaging storms can provide opportunities for people who have unscrupulous business practices to rip off homeowners,” Commissioner Causey said. “Make sure you’re not a victim by following some common sense tips to avoid these scams.”
Commissioner Causey offered the following tips:
- Avoid roofing salesmen who go door-to-door unsolicited.
- Always get multiple estimates for new roofs or roofing repairs.
- Check out roofing companies through the Better Business Bureau or through online clearinghouses. Don’t be afraid to Google the business.
- Deal with your insurance company yourself instead of letting the roofing company deal with them.
To report suspected fraud, contact the N.C. Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840. Callers may remain anonymous. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.gov/fraud-control.