05/21/2021
DON'T BE SCAMMED!!! Gulf Coast Roofing & Sheet Metal Inc., has been servicing the Sarasota and Manatee counties since 2005. As a licensed and Insured Roofing Contractor, we are hearing and seeing more of this happening, and want to spread the word to our community.
Please educate yourself and be aware of these common scams some fly by night roofers are using to get your business.
Roofing Contractor Scams
The Free Roof Inspection: Typically, when business is slow or the economy has been on the decline, roofers will start going door to door seeking potential clients. They will offer to inspect your roof for free, and after the inspection they will claim they observed damage that warrants a new roof or major repair. Some of these roofers will intentionally cause damage to your roof during their inspection, or they might show you a picture of someone else’s roof and allege that it is yours. These roofers will seem polite, knowledgeable, and helpful. They will encourage you to submit a claim to your insurance company. Scammers are well-versed in the proper language to effectively manipulate the consumer, and they will withhold crucial details. They will give you a low estimate for repairs, and have a false sense of urgency. What they will neglect to tell you is that insurance companies will not pay to repair an older roof. You will be responsible for paying the total bill, in addition to having an unnecessary claim against your homeowners insurance.
Insurance Companies Are Getting Wise to The Scammers
Insurance companies are constantly dealing with roofing scams that victimize unsuspecting homeowners. The tricks are constantly evolving, but there are a few tried and true scams you need to watch out for. When a roofer goes door to door to drum up business on behalf of a company, that is usually a telltale sign of fraud. Accredited and insured roofers will typically have an online presence, like a website or social media pages, along with reviews from actual customers. Some out-of-towner roofers chase inclement weather, and prey on homeowners’ emotions. Always choose a local roofer with a physical business location. Many of the fraudulent out-of-towner roofers have a PO Box address, which is a huge red flag. Another scam to be careful of is when the salesman has a sense of urgency and demands immediate action for roofing repairs. Homeowners think time is of the essence and act quickly out of fear. Legitimate roofing companies won’t pressure you. They will give you adequate information to make an informed decision, and allow you the time to decide the best course of action you want to take. Roofing repairs can be expensive. Scammers will initially lowball the estimate, and give you a too-good-to-be-true quote. The costs will quickly escalate after the work begins, and you may find yourself in over your head. If a roofer requests a deposit up front, that is another huge red flag. Some roofers will take that deposit and vanish. Other roofers will request a deposit to cover the materials and then string you along, quickly demanding more money as time goes on. A legitimate roofing company will have the materials and resources to complete the repair. You should NEVER have to pay the roofer until after the job has
