A large-scale roofing scam in the Seattle area has caused serious financial damage for victims as investigators search for suspects, according to KING 5 News.
The scams seem to start in a similar way, with a stranger who is professionally dressed approaching victims about damage to a chimney or roof.
“A ring of gentlemen usually that have Irish accents and dressed really well, really polite, really well-spoken,” said Matthew Wyche, a police detective in Redmond, Wash., “they’re going up to houses in the community, acting very professional and offering services for either roof repairs or a full re-do for a roof.”
Wyche said the suspects likely are involved in a roofing-related crime ring, and he has received calls from Colorado, Utah and California describing suspects connected to the same ring.
The suspects reportedly use a rotating list of business names—some fake, some impersonating real companies—putting a company’s logo on a truck and swapping in their phone number. The suspects’ names also change from job to job. But victims said the suspects provided a polished pitch, and the companies appeared legitimate with functioning websites and positive reviews.
One victim said a simple chimney repair turned into a torn-apart garage and driveway, and he ultimately paid more than $193,500. Another victim paid $21,750 before refusing to pay another $34,000, which reportedly led to the alleged contractor physically attacking the side of her house, stripping the wood paneling and destroying wiring and insulation.
Wyche said one case has had losses of $500,000. Losses in Washington’s King County reportedly have exceeded $2 million during the past 18 months.
A review of 30 consumer complaints, filed with the Washington Attorney General's Office and the Better Business Bureau, along with court filings and online reviews, reveal the same pattern described by the victims. The scammers also reportedly hire untrained laborers to do the work and then disappear before paying them.
When investigators try to track down locations for the company names used, they reach dead ends.
Investigators said the responsibility lies completely with the scammers, who are running a polished operation—not with the homeowners who were targeted. Wyche encourages homeowners to look out for contractors fitting this description and report any issues early to give investigators the best chance to stop the scammers.
