Be wary of roofing, identity theft scams after storm, authorities say

Oklahoma City’s emergency manager advised residents with storm damage to be wary of scams, after reports surfaced of individuals going doorto-door, offering to file paperwork on behalf of homeowners for federal reimbursement for roof repairs.

“There is no federal program to reimburse you for repairs, roof or otherwise, from the April 29 storm,” said Frank Barnes. “There isn’t and there’s not going to be.”

Terri Watkins, communications director for Attorney General Mike Hunter, said the immediate concern was for residents who might be persuaded to give up personal information that could be used in anidentity theft racket.

High winds early April 29 caused significant damage throughout the heart of Oklahoma City, from about 59 Street on the south side to 50 Street on the north.

Watkins said the attorney general’s consumer protection unit takes complaints and will pass along information about companies registered to do roofing repairs in Oklahoma.

The Construction Industries Board also takes complaints about roofing contractors and accepts reports of unregistered roofers doing business in the state.

The board maintains a list of more than 1,500 roofing contractors. The list includes contractors’ registration number and whether they are in good standing.

Barnes had these tips for homeowners with storm damage who are approached by individuals offering to handle repairs:

•Confirm their state registration.

•Ask whether they have a local office.

•Always get more than one quote on costs.

Homeowners who feel intimidated or as if they are being forced into something, such as signing a form, should tell the individual to “leave my property or I’ll call the police,” and shut the door, Barnes said.

Out-of-state tags on the individuals’ vehicles sometimes, but not always, can be a clue that something is amiss. If an offer seems to good to be true, it probably is, Barnes said.

Damage in Oklahoma City from the April 29 storms was not nearly extensive enough to prompt a federal disaster declaration or any sort of federal assistance, he said.