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Key Takeaways
- Roofing scams are everywhere, and shady contractors prey on homeowners who need urgent repairs.
- Storm chasers, surprise price hikes, and pushy sales tactics? Big red flags—don’t fall for them.
- Before hiring a roofer, always check for licensing, insurance, legit references, and a written contract.
- Got scammed? Cut payments, gather proof, and report the contractor—don’t let them get away with it.
- At Apex, we’ve spent 27+ years protecting homes with honest, high-quality work—no gimmicks, just great roofs.
Don’t Fall for a Roofing Scam
Let’s be real—no one expects to get scammed.
But when a so-called “roofer” knocks on your door with a too-good-to-be-true deal, it’s easy to fall into the trap. Every year, thousands of homeowners do. These scammers prey on urgent roofing needs—especially after storms, pressuring you into fast decisions that end up costing big.
But by knowing the red flags, the scare tactics, and how to spot a legit roofing company, you can keep your home (and wallet) safe.
At Apex, we’re all about honest work. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common roofing scams, how to dodge them, and what to do if one’s already knocking at your door.
| Apex Restoration & Roofing: Your Roofing Specialists in Colorado Located in Englewood, Colorado, Apex Restoration & Roofing offers expert residential and commercial roofing services. With over 27 years of experience, we specialize in roof replacements, repairs, and storm damage restoration, using only the highest quality materials. Our A+ BBB rating and a 5-star rating on Google from satisfied customers ensure your project meets the highest standards of quality and satisfaction. See the Apex difference today! |
The Growing Problem of Roofing Scams
Roofing scams aren’t rare—they’re everywhere. After a big storm? That’s when they spread like wildfire.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says home improvement scams are one of the top five most common frauds in the U.S.
How To Stop Yourself From Getting Scammed
- Slow down. A legit roofer won’t rush you.
- Do your homework. Check licenses, reviews, and contracts.
- Work with trusted pros—like us at Apex Restoration & Roofing.
Common Roofing Scams to Watch Out For
The Storm Chaser Scam
- How it works: After a big storm, “contractors” magically appear, offering super-fast, super-cheap repairs. They’ll take your money upfront, then either vanish or leave you with a half-baked job.
- How to avoid it: Slow down. A real pro won’t rush you. Research first, sign later.
The Bait-and-Switch Estimate
- How it works: A contractor lures you in with a lowball price—but once work starts, suddenly “unexpected issues” appear, doubling or tripling the cost.
- How to avoid it: Get multiple estimates in writing. Ask for a cost breakdown upfront. Sounds too good to be true? It is.
The Insurance Fraud Scam
- How it works: A roofer offers to “waive your deductible” or inflate damage claims to get more insurance money. Sounds like free cash, right? Nope—it’s fraud. And it can void your policy.
- How to avoid it: If a contractor suggests playing games with your insurance, walk away—fast. Report them, too.
- Here’s how to file a legitimate insurance claim—without getting tricked.
The Upfront Payment Trap
- How it works: The contractor asks for full payment before work starts—then either ghosts you or delivers sloppy work.
- How to avoid it: Never pay more than 10-20% upfront. Legitimate roofers follow a standard payment schedule.
The High-Pressure Sales Tactic
- How it works: “Prices go up tomorrow!” “Sign now for a special deal!” Sound familiar? This is a classic pressure trick to force you into a bad decision.
- How to avoid it: Take your time. A trustworthy roofer lets you compare options—without the pushy sales pitch.
How to Identify a Legitimate Roofing Company
- Check for Licensing & Insurance: Ask for their license number and proof of insurance (yes, that includes workers’ comp). No paperwork? No deal.
- Look for a Physical Address: Fake contractors use PO boxes and sketchy “offices.” A legit roofer has a real, verifiable location.
- Review Online Ratings: Google them. Check BBB, industry directories, and customer reviews. If their name keeps popping up with complaints? Run.
- Get a Detailed Contract: Everything—materials, costs, labor, timeline, warranties—must be in writing. No contract? No job.
- Ask for References: A trustworthy roofer won’t hesitate to give you contacts of past clients. Call them. Ask about their experience.
Pro Tip: Google their name + “scam” and see what comes up. Find horror stories? You just dodged a bullet.
What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed
- Stop Further Payments: Cut them off. No more money, no more chances.
- Document Everything: Snap photos, screenshots, emails, receipts—every detail counts.
- Report to Authorities: File complaints with the BBB, your state licensing board, and law enforcement. The more reports, the harder it is for them to scam others.
- Let Your Insurance Provider Know: They may help recover damages or assist with the next steps.
- Call a Trusted Roofer: A legit company can assess the situation, offer real solutions, and help you move forward.
Pro Tip: Leave reviews warning others about the scammer. Your voice = someone else’s protection.
Protect Your Home with the Right Roofing Partner
Scammers are out there, but you’re smarter than they are.
By staying sharp, doing your homework, and choosing a trusted pro, you can keep your home safe and your wallet intact. And when it’s honest, top-quality roofing? You already know who to call.
Apex Restoration & Roofing—Service You Can Trust
At Apex, we do things the right way—every time. Here’s why homeowners trust us:
- 27+ years of experience.
- A+ BBB rating and 5 ⭐ on Google.
- Fully licensed, bonded, and insured.
- Transparent pricing.
- Insurance claim assistance.
“Robert was true to his word from beginning to end. He worked through issues with my insurance company and documented well, which produced a great outcome. The communication was excellent! I knew where the project was progressing throughout. The workers that worked on my roof did a very nice job and were very careful of all my plants. There was no loud music and they were very respectful. They did an amazing clean up and magnetized for nails. I would definitely use them again.” – Sue S.
Want a roofer you can actually trust? Get in touch today and schedule a FREE inspection!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the most common roofing scams to watch out for?
- Storm Chasers: Roll in after a storm, promise cheap, fast repairs, take your money, and disappear.
- Bait-and-Switch Pricing: Lure you in with a low quote, then claim “unforeseen issues” and double the cost.
- The Insurance Fraud Scam: Suggests “waiving your deductible” or faking extra damage to squeeze more from your insurance. Illegal AND risky.
- The Upfront Payment Trap: Demands full payment before work starts, then ghosts you or botches the job.
- High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Claims “prices go up tomorrow” or pushes you to sign NOW.
How can I verify the legitimacy of a roofing contractor?
- Check Licensing & Insurance: No license? No insurance? No way. Legit contractors have proof on hand.
- Look for a Physical Address: Not just a P.O. Box or “we come to you” setup. A real business has a real location.
- Review Online Ratings: Google, BBB, and real customer reviews tell you who’s legit and who’s shady.
- Get It in Writing: No written contract? No job. A good contractor lays everything out: materials, costs, timeline, and warranties.
- Ask for References: A trustworthy roofer won’t hesitate to give you past client contacts.
What red flags indicate a potential roofing scam?
- Unsolicited Offers: A random contractor “just happened” to see damage on your roof? Yeah, right.
- No License or Insurance: If they can’t prove they’re qualified, they aren’t.
- High-Pressure Sales: “Sign today or lose the deal!” No. A real pro gives you time to decide.
- Large Upfront Payments: If they want all the cash before work starts—goodbye.
- No Written Contract: Verbal agreements = no protection. If it’s not on paper, it doesn’t count.
What steps should I take if I suspect I’ve been scammed by a roofer?
- Stop Further Payments: Cut them off. No more money.
- Document Everything: Screenshots, emails, photos, receipts. The more proof, the better.
- Report to Authorities: BBB, state licensing boards, law enforcement—file complaints ASAP.
- Notify Your Insurance Provider: They may help recover losses or assist in damage control.
- Consult a Trusted Roofer: A legit company can assess the damage and offer real solutions.
Need a roofer you can trust? At Apex, we’ve been serving homeowners for 27+ years with honest pricing, quality craftsmanship, and no gimmicks. Book your FREE inspection today!
