A DEVASTATED veteran is out $12,000 after he issued two checks to a roofing company that never completed the job.
Herberts Melnalknis, 88, paid the firm after a summer storm left his roof damaged.
The World War Two veteran served in the US Military as an interpreter after leaving his native Latvia.
Now living in Omaha, Nebraska, Melnalknis was handed a brochure from an Iowa-based roofing company called DRJ Services.
After a representative of the company came to his door, they told him that his roof needed repairs.
He handed over two cashier’s checks totaling more than $12,000 to the representative.
But so far nothing has been done to Melnalknis’ roof.
DRJ Services Inc. has an address in Bettendorf Iowa and shouldn’t be confused with companies using the same initials.
“He said that they’re roofers,” Melnalknis told Gray Television-owned Omaha-based NBC affiliate WOWT.
“I just want it done or the money back,” he said.
“The insurance paid me and I paid them but now nothing is done.”
DRJ Services did not respond to The U.S. Sun’s requests for comment.
A representative told WOWT that the materials should have been delivered on November 19 but that nothing had been dropped off yet.
To do that in Omaha, he would need a contractor’s license and pull permits.
The company has neither, according to the city’s databases.
According to the Nebraska Department of Labor, Iowa DRJ Services is not registered in Nebraska.
Bank tips for avoiding scams
As scams become more sophisticated with the use of artificial intelligence, it is important you know how to spot a scam:
- Be skeptical of online deals that seem too good to be true, especially on social media.
- Scammers will often use tactics to make you panicked so you make quick decisions – be cautious if you are told to take immediate action and verify who has contacted you.
- Chase Bank warns customers to “never return any unexpected funds without calling Chase first.”
- Never send money to someone you have only spoken to online or by phone as this is likely a romance scam.
- Unless you 100% know who you are talking to, never give someone remote access to your device.
- Never accept help from strangers at an ATM and always be vigilant when making withdrawals.
- Do not send money or click any links indicating that you have won a prize.
Source: Chase.com
Industry experts have urged homeowners to research a contractor carefully before handing over any money.
You should research the company on the Better Business Bureau to see if they have had any complaints filed against them.
Roofing scams are widespread, with one of the most common schemes involving “storm chasers” who prey on homeowners after severe weather events to look for roofs that have been affected by rain or hail.
They often can be seen handing out leaflets door-to-door.
It is important to be wary of bids that appear extremely favorable, contractors who identify unexplained damage, and companies that request a substantial upfront payment.
Long Roofing has put together a list of advice on how to avoid scams and scammers.
