Received text asking if I "do roofing".  I responded yes. He text that he was an out of state buyer that is currently in the hospital and would be moving to the area when released. I thought it odd, but we have more foreigners coming to America everyday. An address was sent.  I looked at the roof. It needed minor repairs, and had the ugly, black algae streaks and was the old 3 tab style. Replacement was not necessary,  but certainly not uncommon.  I sent a fair price. He stated he wanted to go forward with the contract. After receiving a signed contract i processed the credit card deposit.  He wanted to pay more than the standard 50% deposit and stated he wanted me to do a favor and withdraw over half of the charged amount and deposit cash into "the interior decorator's" bank account.  I asked via text why the interior decorator doesn't process credit cards?  He gave some implausible reason. He demanded that I deposit cash into the "interior decorator's" account. I said no, I install roofs and I am busy. I stated that I can reverse charges and cancel the contract. Have not heard back since yesterday. Just to be sure, I contacted the listing real estate agent to confirm the new owner's identity before installing the new roof. She stated the new owners are a local married couple. Obviously,  a scam.      I have received text msgs from 4 different out of state numbers with a similar story. Trend or scam? I think scam. Today is 10JUN2015