In one viral TikTok clip, a woman shared details about a disturbing invasion of privacy, recounting a cold call from a seller whose company allegedly used aerial photography to inspect her roof. The video sparked outrage and raised questions about the legality of this practice.
On January 20, TikTok user @aerithgirl posted a short clip saying, “I just received a cold call from a seller who said, and I'm not telling you, 'We did an aerial photo of your house and we see you need a new roof.' Excuse me?! Can you tell me if my IUD is in place too?
The video quickly caught the attention of viewers on the platform, garnering more than 728,700 views and sparking a wide range of reactions.
Some viewers shared their own experiences with overzealous sales tactics, with one commenter saying: “I had a salesman come up to my house with a ladder and try to do this last summer.”
@earthgirl The man said loudly
“I've had this before too! I legitimately asked if they could never do it again,” another user shared.
“Can they check your teeth for cavities too?” Another commenter scoffed.
Other commenters called on the TikToker to take legal action. “Realize you own the property and airspace above. Sue,” one commenter advised.
However, according to One articlethe FAA “regulates and makes decisions regarding all airspace in the United States, including the space above your land.”
“I was doing flyovers for a roofing company with a drone. Not for random people…for insurance purposes for our clients! This is suspicious…” another commenter added.
It has become increasingly common for Roofing companies To use drones for roof inspections. They can take high-resolution photos and videos, providing a detailed view of the condition of the roof, including areas that are difficult to reach manually.
However, it is important to note that this must be done with the consent and knowledge of the homeowner. As stated in a blog post by Ecoa manufacturer of roofing products: “Many states and counties have privacy laws that prevent you from flying a drone over someone's home without their permission. Also, getting verbal consent to fly your drone may not be enough to protect your business.”
The Daily Dot has reached out to @aerithgirl via TikTok direct messages for comment.
*First published: January 28, 2024, 7:00 PM CST
Vladimir Sobieca
Vladimir Sobieca is a freelance writer based in Serbia and works for the Daily Dot. He enjoys traveling through Europe, reading non-fiction books, and playing with his dog, Max.
