Black Mountain, NC (WLOS) – The Black Mountain Police Department (BMPD) warns the locals of fraud that offers a free roof inspection.
According to a contribution on the Facebook page of the BMPD, the BBM fraud tracker often receives reports on fraud control with free roof inspections, especially after severe weather events.
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This is how the fraud works: The victims are contacted by phone or contacted someone in their houses who claims to represent a roofing company that works in the region.
The fraudster often offers a free inspection or a “on site” roof repair and claims that he helps a neighbor or have determined damage to the victim's roof.
In the post office, if a homeowner accepts the wrong inspection, the “inspector” will visit the victim's house and possibly have pictures of damage caused by another property or even cause damage by removing shingles to imitate wind damage.
The BMPD offers the following tips to avoid this fraud participation:
- Pay attention to unwanted offers: Many frauds begin with an contractor who “is simply in the area” and notices that their roof or home has to be repaired from the outside. After a strong storm, roof fraud typically increase the frequency. So stay vigilant. Legitimate roofers may also be in the area.
- Let your insurance company inspect your roof and/or get a second opinion: The submission of a claim to your insurance company hires its records and can influence future claims or continued coverage. Before you sign paper stuff or contracts for a roofer, you can publish your insurance company for an inspection in order to check the need for repairs or compensation. You can also call another reputable roofing company to take a look at it.
- Research roofer before setting: Take a look at the business of a company on Bbb.org. Keep an eye on the previous reviews and complaints that other consumers may have. Your own research is one of the best ways to know whether a roofing company is serious or just cover for a fraud.
- Ask questions: Expect vague answers when surveying a fraudster about his business location or its services. If you challenge a fraudster on the phone, you can keep up to provide more information.
Fraud warning: callers who pretend to be a law enforcement authorities and request payments in Buncombe County
Post said that homeowners should be aware and learn how to recognize these fraud.
In addition, the post office said that homeowners should always hire trustworthy companies for this type of work.