Rockland officials warn residents of home repair scams
Officials in Rockland are warning the public about contractor scams as people begin to plan home improvement projects.
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Officials in Rockland are warning the public about contractor scams as people begin to plan home improvement projects.
Lately, it seems scammers are using a new tactic.
Rockland's Office of Consumer Protection shares that scammers recently pretended to be Gikas Roofing, a legitimate business with decades in operation and tricked a homeowner to sign a $78,000 contract for roof repairs.
The department said a similar case involved an elderly woman who paid $60,000 for roof replacement.
News 12 spoke with the business on Monday.
"You're taking advantage of older people and it is unacceptable," said Riley Topper, of Gikas.
"It's really such a shame what you're doing," said Paul Mihalis, of Gikas.
The Pearl River business says they have now heard about scammers impersonating them a few times.
"They're impersonating us and telling homeowners to put "Gikas Roofing" in the memo line and over-pricing plywood and the roof," said Topper.
"We love this community. It's one of the reasons why we chose to move here," said Mihalis. "To just hear about literally one of our neighbors having that happen to is really devastating."
Here's a few ways people can protect themselves according to the county's consumer protections:
Ask for a Rockland County contractor license and insurance.
Take time to research your options.
Do not pay in full upfront.
The roofing business says that homeowners can visit them in person first, too.
The county says it is working with Orangetown police and building departments in both scamming incidents.
