Detailed Answer
Roofing scams cost homeowners over $1 billion annually. Knowing these red flags protects your investment.
Financial red flags
Large upfront deposit
Demanding 50%+ before starting work. Legitimate contractors ask for 10-20% or materials-cost deposits.
Cash-only payments
No paper trail means no recourse. Always pay by check or credit card.
Deductible waiver
Offering to "cover" or "waive" your insurance deductible is insurance fraud. It inflates the claim and puts you at legal risk.
Dramatic discounts
"I can do it for half price if you sign today" is high-pressure manipulation, not genuine value.
No written quote or contract
Verbal agreements are unenforceable. You must have everything in writing.
Business credibility red flags
No license or insurance
Cannot provide a valid contractor license number or current insurance certificates.
No physical address
Only a P.O. box or no verifiable office location.
No online presence
No website, no reviews, no business listings. Legitimate businesses have a digital footprint.
Out-of-state plates
Storm chasers drive in from other states after major weather events, do subpar work, and leave before problems appear.
Brand new company name
Search for the owner's name, not just the company name. Some operators close and reopen under new names to escape bad reviews.
Process red flags
Door-to-door solicitation
Especially after storms. Reputable contractors rarely cold-knock.
Free inspection that finds major problems
The "free inspection" becomes a high-pressure sales pitch.
Rushing you to sign
Any urgency tactic like "this price is only good today" or "we have one spot left this week."
No references
Cannot or will not provide local customer references.
Refuses to pull a permit
Indicates they may not be licensed or want to avoid inspection accountability.
Protect yourself: Use a pre-vetted contractor marketplace, verify every credential independently, and trust your instincts if something feels wrong.