Category: Scams & Safety

In the past few years, there have been growing solar repair scams targeting seniors. The average fraudulent transaction cost for a senior individual is $120,000. It’s sad and unacceptable, but understanding the types of scams can help.

Up to 5 million seniors in the United States are abused every year in some way, financial exploitation is one of the forms of such abuse and involves misuse or withholding of the adult’s resources.

A quick search can tell you all about the solar scams targeting seniors so that you can be careful if you know a senior citizen. It’s wise to familiarize yourself with such scams as you could be saving someone who falls into such traps.

Types of Solar Scams

Understanding the types of solar scams can help you in keeping scammers at bay.

1. High-Pressure Sales Tactics

The salesperson would try to pressure you. You would be offered deals that are just for today. This scammer would try to grab your attention by putting pressure of urgency on you. You can always ask to wait as you want to research before signing on for such a big decision.

2. The Company Disappears After Installation

A solar company can get the work done, but it would be of poor quality. When you would try to find the company for complaints, it won’t be anywhere! You must hire a company only after thorough research.

You have to check the customer reviews to know about the performance of the company. Plus, reviews from previous users would also provide you enough insight.

3. You Are Asked to Lease The Solar Panels

When you can easily buy, a shady company would persuade you to lease the solar panels. You should be aware of the benefits of buying such as receiving the tax credits. Plus, if you want to get a better property value, it would be a viable option to buy solar panels instead of leasing them.

4. You Are Working Without Contracts

A shady company would try to avoid contracts. When you are not signing the contracts, the company might charge you higher. So if you don’t expect to pay higher bills then it’s best to work with professionals only.

A professional company would be clear and transparent in the dealings. Your permission is important to begin any kind of work. No one can try to install a solar panel without your permission. Let the salesperson know about it so that you can avoid getting scammed.

5. You Are Offered A Free Government Sponsored Program

You might be feeling generous and when someone shows up at your door for saving the environment, you couldn’t say no. Plus, how can you turn up a government-sponsored program and that’s free of charge.

Well, that was a scam and you didn’t know about it. Although it could be hard to refuse such an offer, it would lead to trouble especially for the elderly. The scammers would try to take benefit of the elderly who are suffering from dementia or are under chronic health conditions.

How Senior Citizens Can Protect from The Solar Scams

The senior citizens need to take their time to read the documents presented for signing. If it’s hard to understand the documents, it’s best to let someone you trust read the documents for you. You can also take assistance from a legal advisor which would be best.

• Make sure you are asking questions to the salesperson. Ask as many questions as you can until you are satisfied.
• Make sure you ask for relevant documents. Make copies to go through them.
• Don’t rush into anything. Take things at your own pace.
• A written agreement from the salesperson would be a better option. You don’t want to be scammed by just trusting the unknown person.

Why These Solar Scams Happen

The scammers are targeting senior citizens who are in critical health condition. Some are suffering from dementia.

Some elderly are exploited by trusted professionals. Now imagine what an elderly can do if a trusted professional gets involved in the scam. It’s best to act smart no matter who you are dealing with.

Cross-checking and understanding the contract language becomes a must. You should know what you are getting yourself into especially when your life savings are involved.

Tips On Avoiding The Solar Scams for The Elderly

• Ask your trusted source to help you with such matters.
• If you are working with a professional, make sure you ask someone to check the authenticity and credibility. A professional person would have a transparent online presence.
• Don’t just sign anything when you are under pressure.
• Don’t hesitate in saying no. When you are not comfortable, it’s okay to reject the offer.
• Follow your gut. If you think something is fishy then it probably is.
• Deal only with professionals. You can turn down door-to-door salespeople and approach reputable companies yourself.

How to Know If A Solar Installation Company Is Reliable

• Get local references when it comes to dealing with a professional and reliable solar installation company.
• Check online reviews from different customers to gauge satisfaction and performance.
• Check out the online presence of the company, including its official website.
• Understandable contracts and transparency are signs of professionalism.
• A professional company is available for communication through multiple channels.

Wrapping It Up

The solar scams targeting senior citizens are happening around you. If you have elderly in the house, it’s important to keep an eye on such scams. You don’t want your loved ones to suffer from such scams.

You have to see what types of scams are possible and the best way to avoid them. Make sure you are working only with professionals.

Home improvement scams are very common in the United States, therefore it is very important to be aware of some of the popular tactics that the scammers use to pursue homeowners. 

Our guide will help you spot the roofing scams and advise you on how to pick the best roofer. 

When there is a storm outside or if it’s hailing, you would find yourself worried about the roof. You must be looking for the right roofing contractor or company. If that’s the case, avoid hiring someone just because you immediately need repairs. Take your time for some research. 

Let’s find out the roofing scams that you should avoid. 

Roofing Scams That You Must Avoid

You might have recently shifted to a new area and not aware of the roofing scams. You must know what to expect so that you can keep yourself safe from such scams.

1. Storm Chasers 

There may have been a recent storm in your area. So a lot of damage is naturally expected. Many roofs were damaged by the storm and so was yours. 

At this point, you were not sure what to do with the roofing! All of a sudden, a roofer appears from nowhere and tries to sell you their roofing service. 

The person tells you that he/she can help you with the roof inspection. 

Think about it, why would someone show up randomly and offer you a free roofing inspection. Some even offer very lucrative deals to convince you to go with their roofing service. Nowadays, the vast majority of professional companies and workers have an online presence. Thus, you should check their validity online and do some research before accepting their offer.  

2. You Are Offered A Free Estimate 

One day you were having a nice cup of coffee in your living room and your phone rang. You picked up the phone and there was a voice on the other end telling you about an awesome roofing company. You were thinking about the roof repairs so you want to give it a try! 

The person on the other end is offering you free inspections. Watch out! You have to ask some questions before hiring the person. 

Consider asking the following: 

• Do you offer a warranty? 
• What’s your experience? 
• Can you tell me the name of the company’s website? 
• Do you have a license?
• Do you have insurance?

If the person hangs up the phone, it was a scam! Avoid inviting the person to inspect your roof if they don’t answer the above-mentioned questions. They might show you fake images and whatnot! Thus, if you receive such a call make sure you are asking the right questions. Be cautious, If you notice hesitation in the voice of the caller. 

3. You Are Expected to Provide A Large Down Payment 

If the roofing contractor is professional and well-intentioned, you can expect an affordable down payment. On the other hand, a roofing contractor who is demanding a large down payment could be non-trustworthy. 

Plus, if this person or the company is asking for cash then you have to be extra careful. You might not know the norms of such work, which is okay as you don’t have experience dealing with scams. 

Act wise and learn from the experience of other people. You have to be careful when dealing with such companies. Thorough research before reaching out would help. 

4. You Are Approached By A Skilled Salesperson 

You might be happy to see a skilled salesperson, but this person can put you under pressure. The pressure can be so high that you might end up hiring this person for the job. It’s wise to know if the person is legit or trying to mislead you. 

You would hear words like the deal is just for today or if you don’t hire this person today, they don’t have any more slots left. If that’s the case then again you should ask for the official website and experience.

It’s always wise to check the customer reviews on Yelp, Google, and BBB websites. Keep in mind fake testimonials or paid reviews. When you do thorough research on the person’s profile, you can sense if he is legit or not. 

5. The Roofing Contractor Is Using Cheap Material 

The roofing contractor you hire may be using cheap materials for the job. The roofing contractor can be dishonest and ask you for a higher price.

If you have no idea how to spot such a person or company then you would be a victim and you would have no idea about the materials the company is using. 

On the other hand, a professional company or person would be transparent in dealings. You would instantly know that you are working with the right people. 

Unfortunately, if the roofing contractor is using cheap material, it’s hard to tell the difference until it’s too late for you. So it’s always better to do thorough research first. You can ask for receipts or ask the company to give you a warranty. 

Tips to Keep In Mind When Hiring A Roofing Contractor 

Apart from the above-mentioned scenarios, also keep the following tips in mind: 

• You should sign a contract before the work begins. Everything should be mentioned in the contract. A shady contractor would be reluctant to sign a contract with you. That’s a clear indication that you should not hire them. 
• Don’t just rely on one estimate. It would be wise to consider more than one contractor. A dishonest contractor would try to pressure you, but you have to be wiser and shop around before you sign the contract.
• Always do your research before you hire a roofing contractor for a job. You must know that you are dealing with the right person. 
• Make sure you are not paying in cash. What if the contractor is a scam and says you didn’t pay anything. There should be proof of payment. 
• Always work with a licensed contractor. The person or company that you plan on hiring should have the expertise and experience for the job. You don’t want to deal with an unprofessional person. It’s easy to be tempted by the cheap prices, but you want quality work for sure! 

Find information on the company at Better Business Bureau Ratings. It would be best to see what reviews are left by the past customers. You would get enough information! 

Few More Tips To Avoid Roofing Scams 

It’s important to avoid roofing scams. If you know the possible scenarios it would be a lot easier for you. 

You can also try the following: 

• Do a quick research on the company when they approach you. When you are not able to find the relevant information, ask the reason from the person approaching you. 
• Go with your gut feeling, if something doesn’t feel right then it probably isn’t. Why take any chances when you can avoid the issue in the first place. 
• Just say no if you don’t feel comfortable. You don’t have to fall under the pressure of the person on the other side. 
• Make sure you are not making a hasty decision. Listen to the offers. Make sure the roofing contractor is ready to sign a contract. You have to get a written estimate. 

Wrapping It Up 

Roofing scams can be hard to avoid if you don’t have enough knowledge. When you know what tips to keep in mind, it would be easy to spot a shady roofing contractor. You want to deal with the right person and company. 

Unfortunately, roofing scams are on the rise again. Riding the wave of solar power popularity, many scammers are targeting the elderly.

In any case, it’s best to do thorough research and ask the right questions. A shady roofing contractor would be reluctant to cooperate. Thus, you can easily move on. Also, go with your gut feeling as it tells you when something is off! Beware of the scams in your area. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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If you are a new or existing homeowner and in search for a professional roofer, then this guide would be helpful to you. 

Roof replacement is a costly project and finding the best roofing contractors for the project will save you from unintended consequences. 

Finding the right person for the job can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. 

There is no formal education or credential requirement to be a roofer therefore it’s important for you to hire the right person. Here are some tips that will help you find the best person for the job. 

Let’s find out how to choose a good roofer. 

5 Tips to Keep In Mind When Hiring The Right Roofing Contractor 

1. Ask Your Neighbors 

It would be a good idea to start finding the right roofer in your neighborhood. You can ask your neighbors for a referral. If you are able to find someone in the local area, this person would be aware of the relevant codes, rules, and regulations. 

Finding a roofer in the local community would be much easier for you. Word of mouth is powerful even though you are living in the modern age. 

2. Hire A Licensed Roofer 

Make sure the roofer you are hiring is licensed. Don’t just select anyone who is posting an ad on a random website. Make sure you see the official website of the person or company. 

Check the frequently asked questions and see what’s the official address. It’s important to know this information as it would tell you about the professionalism of the company or the person. So, licensed roofers are a must! 

3. Pricing Should Be Clear 

When you are dealing with a professional roofer, you would be able to get clear pricing estimates. On the other hand, if you don’t get clear estimates it’s better to avoid such a person or company. 

You don’t know what hidden charges would be there. If the roofing contractor or the company is not ready to provide enough information, it’s time to move on. A professional person and company would focus on providing excellent customer service. 

4. Years of Experience And Expertise 

When selecting a roofing contractor, it’s important that this person has years of experience and expertise. Working with the right roofer would be hassle-free.

To know whether the roofer is experienced or not, you can check out the customer reviews. It can give you a good idea of the overall performance. You can search their licence number online to find more information regarding the date when the company was founded or when the licence was issued by the government. 

5. Check Out Better Business Bureau (BBB) Ratings 

Apart from the customer reviews, it would be a good idea to check out the Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings of the roofing company. 

You can also check out what the past customers are saying about a company. It would be possible to see if there are any complaints. Thus, you would know whether to go ahead with a certain roofing company or not. 

What Are The Services Offered By A Roofing Contractor? 

You might be wondering what services are offered by a roofing contractor. Consider the following; 

• A roofer can help with installing the ventilation system of your house. 
• If you want to make your roof weatherproof, a roofing contractor is a person to consider. 
• A roofing contractor can also help in repairing the leaky roof of your house. 
• They can help with the roof inspections. Plus, a roofer would be able to tell if there is a leak on the roof.
• It’s possible that there could be debris on your roof. You can ask a roofing contractor to get rid of it! 
• And a lot more. 

What to Avoid When Working With A Roofing Contractor? 

It’s possible that you’ve found the right person for the job or you have found the best roofing company out there! Now there are certain precautions that you should keep in mind. 

Consider the following: 

Warranty – Make sure your roofer is offering some kind of warranty for the job. It’s wise to get a warranty for the work performed. In case of any issue, the warranty would be helpful. Plus, you would know that you are working with the right person. 

Estimate – Your roofer should be giving you a written estimate. Beware of the roofing contractor who prefers working with cash and doesn’t want to give you anything in writing about the job. 

Materials – Make sure the roofing contractor you plan on working with is providing materials of high quality.

Don’t base your decision solely on the pricing. It’s possible to get a cheap roofing contractor, but roofing installation could be risky. 

Common Questions to Ask A Roofing Contractor 

At this point, you have some idea of what to look for when finding the right roofing contractor. It’s also important to ask the right questions so that you would know you are working with the best roofer. 

You can ask the following:

How long have you been in business as a roofing contractor?

If you are working with an independent contractor, it’s better to know the relevant experience of the person. If it’s a company you can easily get information from online to see when licensing was issued. 

What happens if the roofing work is not satisfactory?

When you are hiring the right roofing contractor, make sure you keep all matters clear. You should know what happens if the work is not satisfactory or if you are not happy with the work. 

Asking this question can help you know about the possible warranties. Plus, you would also know if you have the right person for your job. 

Who is going to perform the installations?

It’s possible that the roofing company is outsourcing the work. Thus, it’s good to know whether the company is sending its own workers or outsourcing the entire project. If so, what’s the qualification of the person doing the installations?

What will happen if there is an unexpected repair?

Unexpected repairs are possible! So it’s better to ask the roofing company or contractor what will happen in such a scenario. You don’t want any surprises, right! It’s good to be aware of such unexpected or unplanned repairs in advance. 

Are you going to tear off the old roof?

You don’t want a roofing company to install a new roof over the old and aging one! It won’t be ideal so bear that in mind. Make sure you are asking this particular question. Doing so can let you know if the company or person you are dealing with is right for the job or not. 

Wrapping It Up

Hiring a roofing contractor is not easy as it may sound. In fact, it requires effort and lots of research. You have to select the right roofer. After all, you are investing and it can be quite expensive. 

But it doesn’t mean that you go cheap and hire anyone. Just make sure you are dealing with a professional person or company. 

Find out the relevant information and check out the reviews from the past users. You would know what to expect! Ask the right questions and you would be good to go!!