HUNTSVILLE, AL—
WHNT News 19 is taking action for consumers who say they've been scammed by an Atlanta-based roofing company.American Shingle signed up an untold number of homeowners around the US, promising them a new roof, but as the install dates got pushed back time and time again, it became apparent to the Better Business Bureau that the company's business practices were questionable.
Now, American Shingle has racked up 240 complaints in the past year with the BBB in Atlanta.
Homeowners have told WHNT News 19 their roofs never got replaced, even though they paid for the work.
In August, American Shingle abruptly closed its doors.
September 2, the owner filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in northern Georgia.
So, what should homeowners who say they've been victimized do?
WHNT News 19 took action by turning to an attorney for answers.
Huntsville Attorney Taze Shepard is the trustee for Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases locally.
He says first, victims should see if they can file proof of claim with the United States Bankruptcy Court.
"And I would get that on record, just in case there's a distribution. Although it's unlikely, it's not impossible," he said.
Shepard's second piece of advice is to contact law enforcement.
"If I were a victim, I would be talking to law enforcement because it has a bad smell, and there may be criminal intent or criminal activity involved. That's why I think law enforcement needs to take a long, hard look at it," he said.
Shepard says if the case comes to a point where there's a criminal charge, victims can then ask for restitution. He says although there are no guarantees, you need to be active in trying to protect your rights.
"It's just a fact of life that sometimes the clanging bell gets attention, and so you want to let the authorities know that you're a victim. You want them to know you're upset and that you really want their help. That makes it more likely you'll get results," said Shepard.
Huntsville Police, the Madison County Sheriff's Department and Huntsville's FBI office have all confirmed they're looking into American Shingle's activity.
Even if you're not a victim, Shepard has advice for you, before you enter into contract with a company.
"There is no such thing as a handshake and a smile anymore, even in your personal business. Contact the Better Business Bureau. Contact the bankruptcy courts. Even run credit checks of anyone you're going to do business with, and maybe you will avoid this kind of problem in the future," he said.
Shepard says he's handled cases like this for more than 30 years. More than half the time, he says unsecured creditors, which the homeowners are, do not get repaid for the debt.
However, he says it's worth filing a claim with the United States Bankruptcy Court out of the Northern District of Georgia. He says if you do not send in a claim and there is a distribution, you won't get paid.
