How to Avoid Roofing Scams?

It always starts the same way: a friendly knock on the door and a promise to “inspect your roof for free.”However, before you know it, your savings are gone. 

Nearly 38% of U.S. residential roofs are already in moderate or poor condition, and that’s exactly what makes roofing scams such a common issue today. The mix of urgency and trust makes homeowners easy prey.

Not only this, but the Better Business Bureau has found out that since 2015, roughly 15% of all home improvement fraud complaints have involved roofing work. From fake repairmen demanding upfront payments to contractors who disappear mid-job, scammers are getting smarter with their tricks.  

So, how do you tell if a roofer is scamming you? Or how to check if a roofing company is legit? Well, the truth is, roofing scams only work when homeowners don’t know what to watch for. 

So, in this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to avoid getting scammed by a roofing contractor.

Why Roofing Scams Are a Growing Problem in the U.S.?

In the U.S., storms, hail, and hurricanes cause widespread roof damage every year, and roofing scams often spike after these disasters. 

According to the Better Business Bureau, its Scam Tracker frequently receives reports about shady contractors offering free roof inspections. This is because when damage strikes, some homeowners are eager to get repairs done quickly. And, scammers exploit this urgency, knowing they may pay upfront without verifying credentials.

Secondly, high repair costs are an issue. In just two years, from 2022 to 2024, the cost of roof repair and replacement increased by almost 30%, reaching nearly $31 billion. Fraudsters lure homeowners with low quotes and then disappear or ask for more money in the middle of the project.

Thirdly, many homeowners aren’t familiar with how roof insurance works. Fraudulent contractors exploit this confusion by promising to handle your claim or waive your deductible, which leads to illegal or inflated claims.

Lastly, scammers now use Google ads, fake websites, and social media listings to look legitimate. Homeowners searching online for “roof repair near me” may unknowingly contact a fake business.

In the News: Real Roofing Scam Stories of Homeowners Getting Tricked

We have compiled a few real-life examples of roofing scams that highlight why staying alert and choosing a trusted roofing expert is so important. Give it a quick read! 

• Two individuals were arrested in July 2025 after allegedly defrauding a homeowner out of $33,000 for a roof replacement that never happened. The victim paid the deposit in March 2024, but despite promises, the work never started.
•     In one reported case, the fraudsters posed as a reputable company that lured a homeowner into a $78,000 contract for bogus roof repairs. Another victim paid $60,000 upfront after being told her roof was    about to collapse.
• In August 2025, a Greenwood Park homeowner, Monica, was initially quoted $4,000 for shingle replacement. Soon enough, the price escalated to $50,000 after the fake contractor claimed her rafters needed replacement. Her instincts kicked in, she stopped the job, and later discovered a legitimate roofer said no structural work was needed.

10 Common Roofing Scams Every Homeowner Should Watch For

Alan Haskins, Vice President, Government Affairs for the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), says it best: 

“While the best defense to roofing scams is an educated homeowner, state governments play an important consumer protection role.”

By learning the warning signs and understanding how scammers operate, you can avoid costly mistakes and a lot of unwanted stress. So, here we have compiled a list of ten common roofing scams you need to be aware of: 

1. Unsolicited Door Knockers or Storm Chasers

Contractors who show up at your door right after severe weather, claiming your roof needs urgent repair. These scammers rely on urgency and fear, hoping you’ll agree without verifying their credentials.

2. Free Inspections That Create Fake Damage Claims

No-cost inspections might seem helpful, but scammers can exaggerate or invent damage to sell unnecessary repairs at high prices.

3. Unrealistically Low Estimates

An extremely low quote can seem appealing, but is it trustworthy? Not always! It often hides substandard materials, poor workmanship, or hidden fees.

4. High-Pressure Sales Tactics and Today-Only Deals

If a roofer is pushing you to sign immediately or insisting the offer is only good today, slow down. Legitimate contractors will give you time to review options and make decisions.

5. Large Upfront or Cash-Only Payments

Asking for big payments before any work is done is a major red flag. Always use secure payment methods and pay in stages as the project progresses.

6. Offers to Waive or Cover Your Insurance Deductible

Some contractors claim they can cover or waive your deductible, but this is a common tactic in roof insurance scams. It can be illegal and may result in insurance fraud or denied claims, while putting you at major financial risk.

7. Vague or Missing Paperwork

A legitimate roofing contractor will always come with legal paperwork, detailed estimates, and receipts. Contracts that are unclear, incomplete, or missing should be avoided at all costs.

8. No Proof of License or Insurance

An authentic, licensed contractor will gladly provide proof for both. Lack of documentation means the roofer is uninsured, unlicensed, or untrustworthy.

9. Fake Storm-Damage Experts and Insurance Manipulators

Always verify credentials! Some scammers can pose as insurance specialists or storm inspectors to manipulate and convince homeowners into unnecessary claims or repairs.

10. Vanishing Contractors After Payment

This is the worst-case scenario: you pay up front, and the contractor disappears. All you are left with is unfinished or poor-quality work. 

This Redditor clearly highlights a key rule every homeowner should know: always get your contract in writing; verbal promises don’t count.

Before You Hire: The Smart Homeowner Checklist

• Always ask for certificates and license numbers.
• Check online reviews, the Better Business Bureau, and ask for past references.
• Don’t settle for the first bid; obtain at least three comparable bids. 
• Make sure all details, like materials, labor, payment schedule, and warranty, are clearly written.
• Before approving repairs, involve your insurance company. This ensures claims are handled properly and legally.
• Legitimate contractors usually require only 10–30% upfront. Paying more can leave you vulnerable if the contractor disappears or does subpar work.
• Pay by check or credit card rather than unrecorded cash.
• Still, if something feels off, like pressure tactics, vague answers, or suspicious behaviour, take a pause

This Reddit user highlighted the classic red flags of a roofing scam! This shows that being aware can save you from a big financial loss and frustration.

6 Steps to Take During and After the Roofing Project

1. Stay Involved

Don’t just hand over the project and walk away. Visit the site regularly, check the progress, and make sure the materials being used match what’s listed in your contract.

2. Ensure Permits and Inspections Are Filed

Every major roofing project needs proper permits and inspections. Confirm these are filed before work starts.

3. Require Written Change Orders

If anything about the project changes, be it materials, timeline, or costs, get it in writing. Verbal agreements can easily turn into disputes later! 

4. Inspect the Final Work Thoroughly

Before making your final payment, walk through the completed project. Look for missing shingles, uneven finishes, or leftover debris.

5. Keep Documentation Safe

Save every receipt, warranty, and photo from your project. These records are invaluable if you need to file an insurance claim, prove maintenance, or address future roof issues.

6.Final Payment Only After Satisfaction

A trustworthy contractor won’t pressure you ever for the payments. So, never release the full and final payment until you’re fully satisfied with the work.

What to Do If You Suspect a Roofing Scam?

The first thing to do is not panic. We understand that realizing you might have fallen for a scam can be gut-wrenching, but acting fast can protect your money and home. 

• Stop any payments immediately. Contact your bank or credit card provider to see if you can halt transactions or dispute charges.

• Collect all the evidence: contract, receipts, photos of the work, and any messages or emails. This documentation strengthens your case if you need to file a complaint or take legal action later.

• Don’t stay silent. Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Better Business Bureau (BBB), or your local consumer-protection agency.

• Scammers often target entire neighborhoods after a storm. Let your neighbors know what happened and post a warning in local community groups.

Why Choosing a Trusted Roofing Expert Could Save You Thousands?

One Reddit user summed it up perfectly:

“If you initiate the roofing company to come quote it, they’ll most likely do an honest job. This puts you in control of who you let on your roof. But if the roofing company comes to you first, that’s when I’d be cautious. Reputable roofers don’t need to go door to door after a storm — the customers come to them.”This simple piece of advice says it all. Trustworthy roofing companies earn their reputation through quality

work, not through scare tactics or storm-chasing sales pitches.

At Statewide Roofing Specialist, we believe trust is earned, not advertised. Our team takes pride in providing homeowners with: 

• Licensed & insured professionals
• Transparent written quotes
• No hidden fees or cash-only traps
• Clear communication

Contact us today for a no-pressure, scam-free roofing experience. 

The Bottom Line

Roofing scams may be common, but being informed gives you the upper hand. Research contractors, ask them questions, verify credentials, compare written estimates, stay involved during the project, and never pay large sums upfront.  

Your roof protects your home. Make sure the person repairing it protects you, too. So, choose an expert team of professionals like the one at Statewide Roofing Specialist, who are committed to honest work, transparent pricing, and repairs that are built to last.