Roofing Associations Protecting Roofing Contractors from Scams

By Heidi J. Ellsworth.

Colorado Roofing Association warns roofing contractors of real estate scams.

Roofing contractors are being warned of a growing scam trend that targets homes listed for sale. According to the Colorado Roofing Association (CRA), fraudulent individuals are posing as property owners or their representatives to authorize roofing work on homes that are listed for sale. Once the work begins or is completed, these fraudsters disappear without paying, leaving contractors unpaid and homeowners unaware that any work was authorized in the first place.

The scam typically unfolds when a contractor is contacted via email or text message by someone claiming to be a relative of the homeowner or the representative of a company that owns the home. These contacts may include urgent requests for roof repairs or replacements, often using pressure tactics to rush the job, when, in reality, the person has no legal right to request the work. After the work is performed, contractors are left chasing payments from clients who turn out to be fictitious or unrelated to the actual ownership of the property.

What makes these scams particularly effective is the timing. When a home is listed for sale, there is often urgency surrounding inspections and repairs. Fraudsters take advantage of this urgency to convince contractors that their work is needed immediately, and that payment will follow once the sale goes through. In some cases, the actual homeowner or real estate agent may not be aware that a contractor has even been on the property.

To protect against these scams, roofing professionals are advised to take a few critical steps. First, always verify the identity of the person requesting the work. If the property is listed, contact the official listing agent and check public property records to ensure that the person making the request has authority. It is also essential to require signed contracts that clearly outline the scope of work, payment terms and the name of the authorized property owner. Never begin work based solely on text or email correspondence, especially if the client avoids phone calls or refuses to meet in person.

Avoid starting work without a deposit and be cautious of clients who resist traditional business practices such as written agreements or proof of ownership. Always communicate through official channels and keep detailed records of all correspondence and agreements. If you suspect fraud, report it immediately to local authorities and notify your local association or similar industry associations so that other professionals are warned.

These fraudulent individuals continue to develop their tactics, and it is just not in Colorado. Awareness and due diligence remain the best defense. By staying informed, verifying client identities and following secure business practices, roofing contractors can protect themselves while ensuring that legitimate homeowners and agents are served with professionalism and trust.