Why Storms Create a Scam Environment
Major storms create ideal conditions for contractor fraud. Homeowners are stressed, damage is widespread, legitimate contractors are booked out, and money is available through insurance claims. Fraudulent operators exploit all of these factors, targeting neighborhoods within hours of a storm passing.
The Most Common Roofing Scams
- Storm chaser deposit scam: Contractor knocks on your door, pressures you to sign quickly to "lock in pricing" or claim they are already "working in the neighborhood." Collects a large upfront deposit. Does poor work or disappears entirely.
- Assignment of Benefits fraud: Contractor asks you to sign an AOB form, taking control of your insurance claim. They negotiate a settlement, pocket the difference between the settlement and their costs, and leave you with substandard work or an incomplete job.
- Deductible waiver scheme: Contractor offers to waive your insurance deductible — by inflating the claim to cover it. This is insurance fraud, which can result in policy cancellation and in some states criminal charges.
- Fake damage creation: Contractor claims to find damage that does not exist, or creates damage during an "inspection" to generate an insurance claim.
- Bait and switch materials: Quote specifies premium materials; installation uses lower-grade shingles or recycled/rejected materials the homeowner cannot distinguish.
Warning Signs of a Fraudulent Contractor
- Unsolicited door-knock within days of a storm
- Pressure to sign immediately — "this price is only good today"
- Cannot or will not provide a license number for verification
- Requests to sign an Assignment of Benefits form
- Offers to "handle your insurance claim" entirely
- Offers to waive or cover your deductible
- Requires 50%+ upfront payment
- No physical business address — only a phone number
- Out-of-state license plates and no local references
How to Verify a Roofing Contractor
- Request the state contractor license number and verify it is current at your state licensing board\'s website
- Request certificates of liability insurance and workers compensation — call the listed insurer to confirm coverage is active, not lapsed
- Check Google, BBB, and Yelp reviews — look for reviews with specific details about the work, not generic praise
- Ask for local references from jobs completed in the past 12 months and call them
- Ask whether they use subcontractors and verify those subs are also licensed
Documents to Never Sign Without Review
- Assignment of Benefits form: Transfers your claim rights to the contractor — avoid in most cases
- Direction to Pay: Authorizes the insurer to pay the contractor directly — less problematic than AOB but still review carefully
- Contracts with blank spaces: Never sign a contract with blank fields that could be filled in later
- Contracts without specific material specifications: "Quality materials" is not a specification; brand and product line should be named
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common roofing scam after a storm?
Storm chasers knocking on doors immediately after a storm, pressuring homeowners to sign Assignment of Benefits forms, collecting large deposits, then doing poor work or disappearing.
What is an Assignment of Benefits form and should I sign one?
An AOB transfers your insurance claim rights to the contractor. It removes your control over your own claim. In most cases, homeowners should not sign AOB forms.
How do I verify a roofing contractor is legitimate?
Verify their state license number on the licensing board website. Request and verify insurance certificates. Check reviews and local references. Do not rely on the contractor\'s own claims.
Find a Vetted Local Roofer
This page is for general informational purposes only. If you believe you have been the victim of contractor fraud, contact your state attorney general\'s office and your state insurance commissioner.