@ChefKevin :Even if they aren't qualified to check your roof, it doesn't make it a scam.

That's one reason I have always put TNT on my vehicles. Not everyone is out to scam.

The scammers are inflating repair estimates and asking for a deposit on the work BEFORE the insurance adjuster has reviewed the claim.

I wonder if they could be Irish Traveler's?

@joepyeweed The one in the Heights that I have mentioned earlier gave a senior citizen discount of 20% if paid in full in cash BEFORE work started. As it turned out he had a lot of takers around Illinois.

Well looks like its hard to trust anyone now days. Over the years seen all kinds.Insurance should send photo of adjuster.But the little guy trying to get started maybe he was looking for couple of extra jobs.

@joepyeweed :What?!? You're telling me that salesmen are asking for a deposit to start a job?!?That still doesn't make it a scam. Sorry.

I am comfortable with 1/3 down if I know the contractor, but would hesitate with someone new unless I had good references from friends. I have had a lot of cold calls lately saying that "so & so" would be in the area and checking roofs & gutters and want to look at mine. I decline or hang up.

I would always ask for money on parts and materials needed to do the Job. 20 years of doing bodywork and painting never had a problem. Insurance claims are different. I remember having to wait 90 days for checks to clear.