In a May 2009 report, the "Denver Post reported that" 400 of Colorado [had been] taken [a] roof repair scam. This article shed light on a problem that unsuspecting homeowners across the country face every day: Not all contractors from rooftops or not are the ones they seem.

Sad but true, consumers should be proactive and investigate the (call) they hire professionals before putting a deposit cash, or worse, pay in full by a front housing repair. Of course, before an emergency situation, such as a leaking roof in the middle of January downpouring snow or April, the detective work so often is forgotten. In a race to get the job done, and many homeowners falling into what might otherwise present itself as obvious money-stealing scheme.

In the case of fraud in Colorado, a roofing company came to residents on inspection of your roof for possible damage, according to a press release from the Sheriff's Department. "In other words, the victims were sought instead of doing the search, which will offer many opportunities to do their research before swallowing the hook astute, line and sinker.

Here's how the roof repair scam plays.

1. A representative of the alleged roofer "asks the homeowner to sign a document before the inspection of the roof, explaining the release is normal, routine procedure.
2. When signed by the owner, the roofs form allows cheating the contractor "to act as an agent for the homeowner on the Roof.
3. "Once workers inspect the roof and find the damage, will inform the owner that property insurance will cover the repairs. "
4. The scammer ceilings then "instructs homeowners to ask your insurance company to have an adjuster come home to estimate the cost of repairs ".
5. The insurance company made the estimate and "send a check for the repair work."
6. Once the roofing scammers convince the victim to sign "a check [them] to begin repair work, "slip away without having to complete repairs.

How can you avoid becoming a victim of a roof repair scam like this? Hiring a professional roofing contractor who can offer proven experience, a written estimate and worry-free installation. To ensure he is choosing the best roofing repair company, arm yourself with a checklist before signing a contract … no matter how desperate she is or urgency of the repair work.

At a minimum, the checklist should answer the following questions.

1. Does the roofing contractor have a good reputation?
2. Does the roofing contractor with adequate insurance coverage?
3. Does the roofing contractor know, explain and comply with local building codes?
4. Does the roofing contractor undertake to supervise the work during all phases of work and inspect completely when ends?

If the answer to either question is no, stop and reconsider their recruitment. The best way to vindicate himself against a scam artist is not becoming a victim in the first place.

Tom Schlund is Projects Manager for Franciscus Roofing, a Cleveland roofing company. For more information on choosing a roofing contractor, visit the Franciscus website, http://www.franciscusroofing.com

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