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Scam Artist Making Rounds in Lake Area
Authorities say if a deal on a roofing job or asphalt sounds to good to be true it probably is.
By: on 2010-02-26
Usually this time of year we are looking forward to the weather warming up, the snow and ice melting, and things to turn green and start to bloom. Unfortunately, this is also the time of year when citizens need to be aware of scam artists coming back into the area.
For some reason every spring there is an increase in calls of people going door to door selling roofing jobs, or asphalt work for a supposed "great deal". They claim the company has too much product left over after the last job or give some other plausible reason. The salesman will tell you how much money you can save, but you have to act fast or you will lose out. Once you've paid you either never see the company again, or the work you get is a fraction of what you expected (ie: just an inch of asphalt or some substance sprayed on your roof).
Reports of this activity are already coming into the Sheriff's Office, so beware. Check out the company you do business with very well before writing a check. Ask for references and call those people. Ask to see work the company has done in the area so you can go look at it and see if it is the kind of work you want. If you can't do those things, go with established companies that are well known in the area. Never pay the whole price up front. Unfortunately, once you pay you almost never get your money back, even if the crook is caught.
If you see anyone acting suspiciously, or believe you may have been the victim of such a scam, contact your local law enforcement agency immediately. Get a vehicle description and license plate if possible. The Morgan County Sheriff's Office can be reached at (573) 378-5481.
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