Summer Scam Alert

Beware of a phone call or a knock at the door with a sales pitch similar to, “We are in your area and we are giving “free” inspections on your air conditioning unit”, or “according to your warranty it is time for the annual inspection of your roof.” Some homeowners, many who live in manufactured homes, have been contacted by “alleged” roofing repair companies, in various parts of the state. The scammers who contacted them made an attempt to convince their unsuspecting victims that they are the original company who placed the roof on the victim's residence, and in order to maintain the homeowners' warranty, they must inspect it immediately. Once the inspection is complete, the con-artist submits an estimate to the homeowner for thousands of dollars of unnecessary repair work. The Sheriff's Office recommends that you always check with the company who issued the original warranty to determine what costs are covered, whether or not a yearly inspection is required and who to contact for inspections and repairs, before you agree to any additional inspection.In addition, with summer fast approaching, residents should be wary of “contractors” who happen to be in your neighborhood offering “free” air conditioning inspections, bargains or immediate service. These “free” inspections can end up costing the homeowner thousands of dollars due to inflated prices, sloppy workmanship that requires correction, and/or a voided warranty.The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office advises consumers to thoroughly check out contractors by doing the following:

• Get at least three bids before choosing your service company.
• Don't do business with an unlicensed contractor.
• Get a reliability report from the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org .
• Insist on a written contract detailing the work to be done.

For further information call the Crime Prevention Unit at (850) 983-1236