The police in the Rhein-Lahn-Kreis have issued a warning about fraudulent roofers, known as “roof sharks,” following an incident in Nassau. Two men posed as roofers to deceive a homeowner, leading to significant financial demands.
On Wednesday afternoon, two men arrived at the home of a 43-year-old woman in Nassau, claiming to be roofers. They convinced her to replace her guttering, offering a deal where only the cost of materials would be charged, not the labor. However, after completing the dubious work, the men demanded an exorbitant fee of €3,500.
The woman’s suspicion was aroused when the men insisted on cash payment only. She contacted the police, who apprehended the men at the scene. The authorities have initiated an investigation into the suspects for attempted commercial fraud, tax evasion, and illegal work.
Police advice on avoiding scams
The police have warned about such fraudulent practices, which often target elderly individuals. These scammers typically pressurize victims into unnecessary repairs and demand substantial upfront payments, with the actual work performed being substandard. To avoid falling victim to such scams, the police advise homeowners to only hire contractors who have been personally commissioned or are recommended by property management.
