Regional police warning the public of roof repair scams

Regional police are reminding the public to be careful of rooftop repair scammers in the area.

Fraudsters have been known to come to homes unexpectedly and use high pressure sales tactics to convince potential victims that work needs to be done. Police have warned in some cases that they will start working without permission and demand payment.

With the nicer weather here, we continue to receive reports of roof repair scams.

Fraudsters attend addresses unsolicited and use high-pressure tactics to convince victims that work is needed. Sometimes they start work without your consent and then say you owe them for the work… pic.twitter.com/X3iR1uWI1H

— Waterloo Regional Police (@WRPSToday) July 2, 2024

Scammers will say a down payment will be required and ask for it in cash rather than a bank transfer or a proper invoice. The costs for the job will then continue to increase after it has started, which is left either incomplete or in poor condition.

Some tips from police include the following:

• Check the company online and ask for references or work done at other places you can check out (don’t rely on a picture on social media)
• Obtain a second opinion
• Do not pay in cash and ask for banking information and a proper invoice
• Request a detailed plan of the work that is required and proper invoice and estimates
• Do not let them start work before signing a document
• Review the documents they provide you and compare the costs