We have recently written a lot about the Florida roofing scams that continue to plague homeowners.
We care about our local communities and want to protect our neighbors, friends and clients from these criminals. A growing number of individuals are trying to profit from the insurance claims process by convincing unsuspecting homeowners that they need a new roof. Unfortunately, Florida roofing scams continue.
Tampa Kingpin Arrested!
According to News Channel 8, Tampa, the Florida Statewide Prosecutor alleged that Dunko’s company, NBRC Construction LLC, bilked nearly 100 homeowners and material suppliers in a storm damage insurance scheme that stretched across six Tampa Bay area counties.
Carlton Dewayne Dunko booking photo(Courtesy Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office)
Dunko and his business partner were under scrutiny in 11 states and collected as much as $65 million in sales while operating American Shingle. They shut down that Georgia-based company after their 2011 arrests in Macon for “theft by conversion.” Dunko and Pureber bonded out of the Macon jail and moved to Tampa and were soon back in business with their new company, NBRC. Georgia prosecutors eventually dropped the case.
American Shingle, and later NBRC, operated as storm chasers. Their sales staff solicited hundreds of homeowners for roof replacements they promised would be paid for by storm insurance. The companies collected checks from insurance claims and either failed to do the work or failed to pay contractors and suppliers for goods and services.
Dozens of unsuspecting homeowners around the Tampa Bay area ended up with liens on their property and faced foreclosure if they didn’t pay out of their own pockets for roofing work after NBRC kept the insurance claim checks. Dunko’s scheme was so elaborate he bribed several bank tellers to illegally deposit checks into NBRC accounts.
Although this was a major blow to one of the worst offenders, there are still plenty of people who continue to prey on Florida homeowners.
How To Prevent This From Happening To You
Make sure you take these three steps first in protecting yourself from a roofing insurance scam.
1. Beware of anyone who solicits your business or tries to convince you they can get you something for free.
2. Don’t sign contracts you don’t fully understand. Many companies only require you to sign a work authorization form. Any contract that states “assignment of benefits” is something that needs to be read carefully to fully understand the impact on you.
3. Understand your coverage. Insurance is for sudden unexpected events not for normal wear-and-tear.
Get The Facts
If you want to learn more about the details of how this insurance scam works and how to avoid it, then watch the video below. This is part of our #WhiteboardWednesday series aimed at informing Florida homeowners. Hope this helps. If you want to discuss AOB or your current insurance policies, then contact us.
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