Don't Let Disaster Strike Twice
BBB Calls Press Conference for Friday to Warn Community: "Beware of Roofing Cons After Severe Weather"
Austin, TX - April 2, 2009 - BBB will hold a press conference tomorrow, Friday, April 3rd at 2 pm at BBB's corporate office to warn consumers and businesses about renegade roofers who prey on communities that have been hit by severe weather.
"After severe weather strikes, we always hear reports of citizens being victimized again, this time not by Mother Nature, but rather at the hands of unscrupulous men and women who see disasters as money-making opportunities," said Carrie A. Hurt, President and CEO of BBB serving Central, Coastal and Southwest Texas.
BBB invites members of the press and our community to attend a press conference to learn how to protect themselves from fly-by-night roofing companies:
When - Friday, April 3, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Where - BBB Corporate Office
1005 La Posada
Austin, TX 78752
Adds Hurt, "Consumers should be wary of itinerant repairmen. BBB knows from experience that in the wake of disaster, fly-by-night operators often try to take money from victims, supposedly to buy home repair materials, then leave town, never to be seen again."
BBB has received requests for information from businesses as far away as Florida who want to participate in the relief efforts in our area. BBB inquiries on roofing contractors have more than doubled in the last few weeks. This is a clear sign that consumers are doing their research prior to signing on the dotted line.
BBB offers tips to avoid potential scams:
- Warranties and workmanship are only as good as the company that stands behind them. Trustworthy businesses will offer information about how they plan to handle any repairs covered under their warranty, particularly if they are coming in from another area.
- Although it is not required, ask the contractor and verify current general liability insurance. This offers consumers additional protection.
- Contractors may be certified by a particular manufacturer. At times, the manufacturer may offer a warranty above and beyond the contractor’s warranty.
In addition, BBB offers the following Dos and Don'ts:
Do:
- Be wary of door-to-door salespeople. Always remember that no matter how desperate the circumstances, you still have a stranger standing at your door.
- Agree to a price prior to beginning work.
- Be specific with all repairs to be made and make sure all expectations and promises are in writing.
- When you sign on the dotted line, make sure what you are signing is in fact a contract with a firm price. All price changes should be done in the form of a change order.
- Check with your BBB BEFORE choosing a roofing contractor. Many times scam artists flock to these kinds of disasters and the individual claiming to want to help may actually be difficult to trace.
- Before spending money, call your insurance company FIRST to make sure all necessary procedures are following according to your policy. If you do not follow your insurance company’s guidelines, you may be stuck with the entire bill. A common form of insurance fraud occurs when a contractor offers to overlook or pay a consumer’s deductible.
- Be wary of businesses that discourage you from sharing the quote or contract with your insurance company.
- Make sure you understand how your insurance company will reimburse your repair costs.
- Get bids from at least three contractors and ask for referrals.
- Make sure you have the name, phone number and address for the business. A simple business card may not always be enough.
- TAKE YOUR TIME!
Don’t:
- Pay large sums of money up front, even just for materials. Let the business know that they will paid upon delivery of the supplies and materials.
- Let payments get ahead of the work performed. Many roof repairs only take a few days. Many roofing contractors will only ask for money once the job is completed to your satisfaction.
- Give into high-pressure sales techniques, such as, “the price is only good today.”
To check the reliability of a company, visit http://www.bbb.org/