"Once on the roof, the scammers intentionally cause damage - such as removing structural blocks or cutting holes. Residents have been defrauded of anywhere from $10,000 to $450,000. This is a predatory crime that exploits the trust of our most vulnerable neighbors. We urge all residents to talk to their elderly family members and neighbors about these tactics."
"The men are possibly part of international rings of foreign nationals operating under fictitious companies such as Statewide Roofing or Reliance Paving. In 2024, four Irish nationals were charged in connection with a similar roofing scheme. Two men were arrested in New York City before flying out of the country and brought back to Denver to face theft and racketeering charges."
Berkeley Police Department has issued an alert about a sophisticated and aggressive contractor scam targeting residents. Groups of men with Irish or British accents, driving white Ford F-150s, pose as contractors and knock on doors unsolicited, claiming they were hired by neighbors. They identify minor roof or chimney issues and, once on roofs, intentionally cause damage to justify expensive repairs. Victims have lost between $10,000 and $450,000. Police suspect the scammers are part of international rings operating under fictitious company names like Statewide Roofing or Reliance Paving. Similar schemes have been documented in New York, Denver, and Seattle involving Irish nationals. Authorities urge residents to verify contracts and licenses before allowing anyone on their roofs.
Read at SFGATE
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