YOUNGSTOWN — The Better Business Bureau has learned that a local consumer’s home was burglarized by two men, who claimed to be from a roofing company.
The men knocked on the door and told the consumer that there was a problem with the new roof. The consumer stepped outside to examine the roof with the men. During the conversation, the second man stepped aside, entered the home and robbed the consumer.
That time of year
The Better Business Bureau wants consumers to be aware of this scam and that summer is the time of year for unscrupulous individuals that go to door-to-door.
“In this instance the two men said that they were from the roofing company, but other con artists will act as if they are soliciting their products or services. Consumers must be vigilant, even in their own homes,” said Melissa Ames, spokesperson for the BBB.
Warnings
The BBB offers the following tips if a company comes to your home.
— Obtain the name and address of the company that person allegedly represents. Before allowing the person in to your home, contact the company to verify the person’s identity.
— Get all details of the offer in writing and carefully review it. Make sure you understand everything in the contract. Any verbal promises should be included in the contract. Do not feel pressured into signing the contract.
— Make sure the salesperson has provided you with the proper “notice of cancellation” form as required under the FTC’s “Three Day Cooling Off Rule” for contracts signed in the home.
— Verify that the contractor is properly licensed, bonded and insured.
— Determine how long the company has been in business and contact the Better Business Bureau to check the firm’s BBB Reliability Report and BBB Grade.
— If you have checked references and the company’s reputation, and you decide to hire the company, make the check payable to the company and not to the salesperson or other individual’s name. Do not pay in cash and avoid paying for the entire job in advance.
— Consider getting several estimates before hiring a company.
For additional information or questions, contact your BBB at 330-744-3111 or visit www.youngstown.bbb.org.
