ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – An Orange County family said a local roofing contractor duped them out of $20,000, leaving their roof damaged and their insurance money gone.
Thinh Vu said his family signed a contract after hail damaged their roof.
The deal was with Nationwide Roofing, which later became Blackstone Builders, for $20,000 to replace the roof, according to Vu.
“To be honest, it’s been stressful,” Vu said. “And nothing has been fixed.”The check
Check was allegedly forged
After the insurance company issued a $20,000 check, made payable to Van Vu, his wife, Nationwide Roofing, and the mortgage company, Vu said the family never saw it.
“We never signed the check, we never received it either,” Vu said.
The insurance company confirmed the check was cashed.
The Vu family filed a report with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office accusing the roofing contractor of forging the check.
“He felt angry, stressed, and he wanted to warn the community,” Vu said referring to his father.
Contractor could not be reached
News 6 attempted to reach company owner Ricardo Prieto by phone before trying to locate him in person.
According to the company’s license details on file with the state, the business address is listed as 450 S. Orange Ave. - but upon arrival, News 6 was told the company is no longer located there.
A second address led to a home in Hunters Creek, where no one answered the door.
News 6 left a business card at the residence.
Prieto did not respond to requests for comment.
Warning for homeowners
Vu said the company solicited his family, and he now has a direct message for the public.
“If someone comes knocking on your door offering a roofing or any kind of service, you shouldn’t deal with them,” Vu said. “It’s better to say no, because it could be a scam.”
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said detectives are still investigating.
Then an insurance check is issued - even if a contract has already been signed and the insurance company requires the contractor’s name to be included - homeowners should ensure the check comes directly to them.