In a May 2009 report, the “Denver Post” reported that “400 Coloradoans [had been] taken in [a] roof-repair scam.” This article shed light on a problem that unsuspecting homeowners across the country face every single day: Not all contractors—roofing or otherwise—are who they claim to be.

Sad but true, consumers must take a proactive stance and investigate the (so-called) professionals they hire before putting down a cash deposit, or worse, paying in full for a home repair upfront. Of course, faced with an emergency situation like a leaky roof in the midst of a snowy January or a downpouring April, such detective work often falls by the wayside. In a rush to get the job done, many a homeowner will fall for what might otherwise present itself as an obvious money-robbing scheme.

In the case of the scammed Coloradoans, a roofing company approached “residents about inspecting their roof for possible damage, according to a news release from the Sheriff's Department.” In other words, the victimized individuals were sought out instead of doing the seeking, thereby giving them plenty of opportunity to do their research before swallowing the crafty bait hook, line and sinker.

Here's how the roofing repair scam played out.

1. A representative from the alleged roof repairer “asks the homeowner to sign a release prior to inspecting the roof, explaining the release is a normal, routine procedure.”

2. When signed by the homeowner, the form allows the scamming roofing contractor “to act as an agent for the homeowner regarding the roof.”

3. “Once workers inspect the roof and find damage, they inform the homeowner that their homeowner's insurance will cover the repairs.”

4. The roofing scam artist then “instructs the homeowner to ask their insurance company to have an adjuster come to the home to estimate the cost of the repairs.”

5. The insurance company performs the estimate and “sends a check for the repair work.”

6. Once the roofing scammers convince the victim to sign “the check over to [them] to begin repair work,” they slink away without ever completing the repairs.

How can you avoid become the victim of a roof repair scam like this one? Hire a professional roofing contractor who can offer proven experience, a written estimate and worry-free installation. To make sure you're choosing the best roof repair company, arm yourself with a checklist before you sign a contract … no matter how desperate you are or how urgent the repair work is.

At a minimum, that checklist should answer the following questions.

1. Does the roofing contractor have a good reputation?

2. Does the roofing contractor have adequate insurance coverage?

3. Does the roofing contractor know, explain and comply with local building codes?

4. Does the roofing contractor commit to supervise the job during all phases of work and inspect it completely when finished?

If the answer to any of these questions is no, stop and reconsider hiring them. The best way to vindicate yourself against a scam artist is not to become a victim in the first place.