This is a scam that has been going on for a number of years now. It occurs after a major hail storm, and on the surface it seems legitimate. But beware, because this may double your roofing cost, and most times it will occur to somebody who never had any need of roof repair.

What the scammer does is to take off to an area where a major hail storm has occurred. He will then hang doorknob hangers on homes, stating that “Your roof may have had damage due to the recent storm.” It will go on to say that a free roof inspection will be offered, and that the homeowners insurance will pay for any roof repair – all roofing cost will be paid. It will instruct the homeowner to call the scammer’s 800 number to initiate the free inspection.

What happens next is this: During the free inspection, the scammer will intentionally damage the roof, making it look like hail damage has occurred. The scammer will have the homeowner call their insurance company, and have them issue the check to the scammer. The scammer happily takes the check – then is never seen again, and leaving the homeowner with a damaged roof.

Beware of this type of scam. Although this happens mainly in areas prone to hailstorms (mainly in the southwest), this type of roofing scam can turn up in any area hit by a hailstorm. Always check for references, licenses, and contractor insurance. Look on line to make sure that the contractor has a local address, and try to find out how long the contractor has been in business. Check with your chamber of commerce to research the contractor.