Yesterday a resident shared details about a call they received regarding a “free” roof inspection:
“Earlier today I got a call from a man calling from 813-991-6437.
He said he’s doing a roof inspection and was calling to confirm it’s fine for him to go on the roof of my property.
Coincidentally, I am in the middle of a closing and I’ve been dealing with inspectors for the last two weeks so I at first I thought it was related to the portfolio. I asked, “For which property?” He answered, “your property.” I said, yes, which one; what address? And he said “your property at XXXXX Crowned Sparrow.”
So I asked, “So, what are you doing again?” and he said working on a neighbor’s roof and inspecting the ones nearby. So I thought maybe the HOA was doing something but figured I would probably have gotten a notice, so I asked “Who authorized you to come out here?” and he repeated he was doing work for one of my neighbors. Hmmmm. Then he said the inspection wouldn’t cost me anything and when he said, “free estimate” I realized he was a solicitor. During further discussion he asked me if my roof was about 6 or 7 years old, so then I knew this guy wasn’t official.
Anyway, he was pretty darned convincing. He made it sound like one of the neighbors had damage so he was checking the other nearby roofs to make sure we also didn’t have an issue.”
There have been some other incidents with water softener sales and other things associated with new homes, recent moves, etc., so always be wary.
The Association is responsible for roofs and we will let you know if there is some reason for a contractor to be on your roof.
