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Homeowners warned about storm-chasing scammers

Thursday, June 14, 2012

June is a big month for hail storms and roofing ripoffs. Talk to any reputable roofing company to localize.

Like vultures, these fly-by-night roofing companies swoop in after every big storm.They typically go after senior citizens who've suffered damage by offering a too good to be true deal. They get half of the money up front, leave to get supplies and never return. It's about as low as you can go. They're victimizing victims. So.... read the information below, beware, and be careful!

Phae Howard, executive director for the National Center for the Prevention of Home Improvement Fraud, said homeowners need to be aware of roofers and other contractors who prey on them after a storm hits.

Howard said oftentimes these type roofing companies go door to door and leave notes for homeowners saying that their home needs work.

"The homeowner needs to initiate the call, preferably to their personal (insurance) agent before they even call the roofing company," Howard said.

Alabama Insurance Information Center Director Renee Carter said the vast majority of contractors are reputable business professionals. There are just some that make a bad name for the rest, she said.

Carter said homeowners should be careful before signing a contract.

"Don't be pressured into signing it; first and foremost, talk to your insurance agent ... that's their job to help you recover from any type of damage to your property," Carter said.

Homeowners need to make sure their contractor is licensed and bonded, Carter said. She said contractors who don't have insurance could attempt to sue homeowners for injuries they receive if they fall off a roof.

Better Business Bureau of North Alabama Representative Michelle Mason echoes Howard.

"What we normally suggest people to do, especially after a storm has hit, is to reach out to companies in the area and to the BBB to see if there is a history for that company," Mason said.

Mason said the bureau has seen many contractors that come from out of state to north Alabama to get work after a storm.

Some of these "storm chasers," Mason said, can be difficult to deal with, and some are known for scamming people out of money.

Pamela Bates,

Operations Manager,

Host of Pamela's Place,

Host of Weekend outlook,

WDNG Radio Inc.

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Keywords: Homeowners, scams, storms, home inprovement fraud, insurance agent,

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