Home Blog Roofing Fraud: Spotting Scams, Legal Actions, Protection Tips

Roofing Fraud: Spotting Scams, Legal Actions, Protection Tips

This page explains roofing fraud, how to identify scams, how to protect yourself, and when to consult with a lawyer from ContractsCounsel.

Jump to Section

Roofing fraud can be stressful, especially since roofs are one of the most expensive elements of a house. This type of fraud involves roofing contractors trying to take advantage of homeowners, such as by making false promises to them.

If you’re the victim of roofing fraud, you’ll want to know your legal options and take prompt action to recover your losses.

In this article, we explore how to spot roofing scams, what to do if you’re the victim of them, and when hiring a lawyer can help you deal with the situation. We’ll also look at ways to protect yourself from roofing scammers in the future.

What are Common Types of Roofing Fraud?

Some of the most typically-seen roofing fraud or scams involve the following:

  • False promises. The contractor will make too-good-to-be-true guarantees or promises to get the homeowner to sign the contract or hire them for the job.
  • Upfront payment. It’s a red flag if the contractor wants full payment before doing any work on the roof.
  • Lies about the damage. If you’ve called the contractor to repair a problem with your roof, they might exaggerate the damage to get more money.
  • Unexpected expenses. The contractor might create extra costs during the project, even though they weren’t included in the agreement. They might pretend that these additional tasks are a matter of urgency so you agree to them.

What Should You Do if You’re a Victim of Roofing Fraud?

If you notice the fraudulent behavior during the roofing project, you’ll want to stop the work immediately and report the fraud. Here are the steps you should take:

  • Contact your state attorney general so they can investigate the fraudulent behavior.
  • Contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to file a complaint. Other people will be notified of the scam so they don’t fall for it.
  • Contact a lawyer. ContractsCounsel, an online legal network, connects clients with vetted, experienced lawyers who have years of experience in helping clients with roofing fraud.

If you’re still in communication with the contractor, it’s worth writing to them about the issue you’ve noticed and ask them to stop doing the behavior or amend the situation. Get this in writing so that you have proof of your attempts to resolve the situation and their response.

How Can You Protect Yourself Against Roofing Fraud?

You can avoid falling for a roofing scam by doing the following:

Check for Solid Contracts

A roofing contractor should be willing to sign a contract for the project. If they don’t want to, this is a red flag that they’re not reputable.

If the roofing contractor has an agreement they want you to sign, don’t be pressured by them. Ask a lawyer to review it for you. They’ll spot any red flags, such as if the contract is filled with vague or confusing terms.

Hire a lawyer on ContractsCounsel to review the contract. Post your project for free on the site. You’ll receive multiple lawyer bids and can choose a lawyer based on experience and other factors.

Be Wary of Door Knockers

A common roofing fraud is when contractors knock on your door after a bad storm, saying that they will give you a free roof inspection to check for any damage. Once inside your property, they might create fake damage or pressure you to sign a contract for them to work on your roof.

Gather Documentation

If you suspect your contractor of roofing fraud, the best thing to do is collect as much information as you can, such as contracts, photos, messages exchanged with the contractor, and receipts.

This will help you if you need to take legal action against the contractor.

Request Credentials

You can protect against roofing fraud by requesting credentials from the contractor. If they’re professional, they will be able to show you proof of insurance and licensing.

Check Their Warranties

Warranties should come standard if you’re working with a top-quality contractor. The warranty should provide coverage on roofing materials and labor. It shows that the contractor takes their work seriously and wants to have happy clients.

How Can a Lawyer Help You With Roofing Fraud?

If you’re the victim of a roofing scam, hiring a lawyer from ContractsCounsel will help you throughout the process. Here’s what they’ll do.

  • Contact the contractor on your behalf. They’re skilled at negotiating settlements to recover financial losses.
  • Review your contracts to spot violations, loopholes, and red flags.
  • File legal claims with knowledge about all the processes involved.
  • Send demand letters to stop the contractor from continuing their fraudulent behavior.

What Legal Options Do You Have for Roofing Fraud?

Your lawyer can help you choose the best legal options so that you resolve the dispute with your contractor and recover losses. Legal options include arbitration and mediation.

Mediation is when you hire a neutral, third-party mediator to facilitate constructive communication between you and the contractor. They will let both parties negotiate and reach a favorable settlement. Many clients like this option because it leaves them in control of the situation and final decision.

Arbitration is similar to mediation as it tries to keep the case out of court, which makes it less costly and time-consuming for both parties. You’ll hire a third-party, neutral arbitrator who listens to both parties’ cases and considers the presented evidence. Then, they will decide a final, legally-binding resolution.

If these methods don’t work, you can go to court. A common reason for litigation is a breach of contract. If the roofer didn’t fulfill their duties as outlined in the agreement, this is a breach. By comparison, if the roofer was negligent, they didn’t work in a way to meet the standard of care and can also be taken to court.

By filing either of these claims, the court could force the contractor to amend the issue or provide compensation for damages.

Do you need a lawyer to help you with roofing fraud?

You should contact a vetted, experienced lawyer on ContractsCounsel. They will help you by minimizing your risks, avoiding illegal contracts, and protecting your assets.


ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.


Need help with a dispute

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 22,746 reviews

Meet some of our Lawyers

Eric M. on ContractsCounsel
View Eric
5.0 (3)
Member Since:
July 25, 2020
Scott S. on ContractsCounsel
View Scott
5.0 (34)
Member Since:
July 28, 2020

Scott S.

Principal
Free Consultation
New York, NY
45 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
New York University School of Law

I have over 25 years' experience representing individual and company clients, large and small, in transactions such as mergers and acquisitions, private offerings of securities, commercial loans and commercial endeavors (supply contracts, manufacturing agreements, joint ventures, intellectual property licenses, etc.). My particular specialty is in complex and novel drafting.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Scott had a quick turnaround on my company’s operating agreement."

Brianna N. on ContractsCounsel
View Brianna
5.0 (2)
Member Since:
June 16, 2021

Brianna N.

Attorney
Free Consultation
New York
10 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
Touro Law School

Brianna is a well-respected New York licensed attorney with a Juris Doctorate degree in law from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law School and bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Dowling College. Since becoming an attorney, she has practiced in various areas including business law, corporate law, residential real estate, commercial real estate, criminal law, traffic law, employment law, landlord tenant law, estate planning, and has represented intermediaries in procurement and the personal protective equipment industry. Brianna has broad and extensive business experience; She is an entrepreneur and co-owner of a microtechnology manufacturing company that was built by her and her partner, where she also served as the Chief Legal Officer and Human Resource Manager for the company. While building the manufacturing business, she created a brokerage firm for business transactions and has managed several other businesses which she has ownership interest in. Brianna’s involvement in these various businesses over the past 15 years provides a unique skillset to her clients; Not only does she understand contractual principals and obligations from a legal perspective while drafting and negotiating agreements, but she also has the foresight, experience, and ability to ensure the agreement reflects the practical aspects of the business. Based on the client’s needs and desired outcome, she has the forethought to cover different angles that would be overlooked from a legal standpoint, and as a result she is able to help prevent unforeseen business ramifications. She conducts extensive risk assessments on behalf of her clients and minimizes exposure to potential liability without “over lawyering” agreements. One of Brianna’s main areas of focus is drafting and negotiating agreements. Negotiation is a passion of hers which was applied in law school while she was a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Society, notably winning Touro Law School’s intraschool negotiation competition. In her more recent years, Brianna has removed herself from her various business interests to focus on her law practice. Brianna has a strong moral compass and believes in quality over quantity. She treats every client as a top priority; thus, she will not take on many cases at a time because she wants to give each client the focus and attention they deserve. She has sharp attention to detail and is a forceful advocate for every client. Brianna has broad and extensive business experience; She is an entrepreneur and co-owner of a microtechnology manufacturing company that was built by her and her partner, where she also served as the Chief Legal Officer and Human Resource Manager for the company. While building the manufacturing business, she created a brokerage firm for business transactions and has managed several other businesses which she has ownership interest in. Brianna’s involvement in these various businesses over the past 15 years provides a unique skillset to her clients; Not only does she understand contractual principals and obligations from a legal perspective while drafting and negotiating agreements, but she also has the foresight, experience, and ability to ensure the agreement reflects the practical aspects of the business. Based on the client’s needs and desired outcome, she has the forethought to cover different angles that would be overlooked from a legal standpoint, and as a result she is able to help prevent unforeseen business ramifications. She conducts extensive risk assessments on behalf of her clients and minimizes exposure to potential liability without “over lawyering” agreements. Additionally, she specializes in drafting and negotiating agreements. Negotiation is a passion of hers which was applied in law school while she was a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Society, notably winning Touro Law School’s intraschool negotiation competition. In her more recent years, Brianna has removed herself from her various business interests to focus on her law practice. Brianna has a strong moral compass and believes in quality over quantity. She treats every client as a top priority; thus, she will not take on many cases at a time because she wants to give each client the focus and attention they deserve. She has sharp attention to detail and is a forceful advocate for every client.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Brianna gave me a very reasonable quote compared to other bids, and she's super responsible and thorough with her job, an absolute delight to work with, highly recommended!"

Paul S. on ContractsCounsel
View Paul
5.0 (18)
Member Since:
August 4, 2020

Paul S.

CEO
Free Consultation
Cincinnati, OH
40 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA, OH
Boston University

I focus my practice on startups and small to mid-size businesses, because they have unique needs that mid-size and large law firms aren't well-equipped to service. In addition to practicing law, I have started and run other businesses, and have an MBA in marketing from Indiana University. I combine my business experience with my legal expertise, to provide practical advice to my clients. I am licensed in Ohio and California, and I leverage the latest in technology to provide top quality legal services to a nationwide client-base. This enables me to serve my clients in a cost-effective manner that doesn't skimp on personal service.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Was my great pleasure working with Paul. He is very knowledgeable about startups/companies, professional, wise, and supportive. I would highly recommend him."

Matthew S. on ContractsCounsel
View Matthew
4.9 (13)
Member Since:
August 5, 2020

Matthew S.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Flemington, NJ
42 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NJ, NY
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law (Yeshiva University)

I am a 1984 graduate of the Benjamin N Cardozo School of Law (Yeshiva University) and have been licensed in New Jersey for over 35 years. I have extensive experience in negotiating real estate, business contracts, and loan agreements. Depending on your needs I can work remotely or face-to-face. I offer prompt and courteous service and can tailor a contract and process to meet your needs.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Matthew was prompt and professional and satisfied all requirements of my request!"

Tim E. on ContractsCounsel
View Tim
4.8 (65)
Member Since:
August 12, 2020

Tim E.

Founding Member/Attorney
Free Consultation
Cleveland, OH
12 Yrs Experience
Licensed in OH
Cleveland State University College of Law

I am a business attorney focused on providing practical, targeted legal services for small businesses, startups, contractors, consultants, and service providers. I help clients efficiently review, draft, and improve everyday business contracts, including service agreements, NDAs, independent contractor agreements, vendor contracts, commercial leases, and purchase documents. My approach is straightforward: identify the terms that matter, explain risks in plain English, and deliver clear, usable edits or drafts without unnecessary complexity. I regularly handle fixed-fee, quick-turnaround projects such as contract reviews, agreement drafting, and demand or termination letters. While I offer streamlined, project-based services for routine matters, I can also assist with broader business legal needs as they arise.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Excellent experience with Tim on my relatively complex EULA for a suite of network appliance products. Tim was very fair with pricing, responsive, diligent, thorough, technically knowledgeable, took the time to address all my questions and concerns, and finished (with revision) on schedule and budget. Great experience overall and I'll definitely be using Tim for more work in the future with my business. I'll also be using Contract Counsel and recommending it to everyone I know as well! THANK YOU! -Devin"

Chester A. on ContractsCounsel
View Chester
Member Since:
July 21, 2020

Chester A.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Atlanta, GA
28 Yrs Experience
Licensed in GA, IN
University of Miami School of Law

With over 24 years of practice, Chet uses his vast experiences to assist his clients in the most efficient manner possible. Chet is a magna cum laude graduate of University of Miami School of Law with an extensive background in Business Law, Commercial Real Estate, Corporate Law, Leasing Law and Telecommunications Law. Chet's prior experience includes 5 years at two of the top law firms in Georgia and 16 years of operating his own private practice.

John S. on ContractsCounsel
View John
Member Since:
July 21, 2020

John S.

Managing Partner
Free Consultation
Dallas, TX
Experience less than a year

Steve Clark has been practicing law in DFW since 1980. He is licensed in both Texas and Louisiana state and federal courts. He concentrates his practice on business clients and their needs. He has been a SuperLawyer in Texas since 2011, and is Lead Counsel rated in Business Law. He is also a Bet the Company litigator in Texas.

Kamilah H. on ContractsCounsel
View Kamilah
Member Since:
July 25, 2020

Kamilah H.

attorney
Free Consultation
Long Beach, CA
17 Yrs Experience
Licensed in CA
Whittier Law School

I am a top-performing bi-lingual legal services professional with a proven record of success. Reputation of assessing and evaluating client’s needs and providing individualized solutions in line with those needs while efficiently handling multiple tasks simultaneously. Able to create a collaborative work environment ensuring business objectives are consistently met. Seeking an attorney role within a legal setting to apply skills in critical thinking, executive communications, and client advocacy.

Jessica K. on ContractsCounsel
View Jessica
Member Since:
January 16, 2021

Jessica K.

Litigation Attorney
Free Consultation
Florida
10 Yrs Experience
Licensed in FL
University of Florida Levin College of Law

I assist individuals and businesses across the state of Florida with litigation, contract drafting, contract interpretation, and issues that may arise because of contract terms, including demands (cease-and-desist letters) and litigation. I have experience with non-compete agreements, privacy policies, website terms, settlement agreements, intellectual property disputes, and many other disputes. Please reach out if I can help you with a litigation- or contract-related project!

Christopher J. on ContractsCounsel
View Christopher
Member Since:
August 4, 2020

Christopher J.

Attorney and Counselor at Law
Free Consultation
Ann Arbor, MI
27 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MI
Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University

Experienced attorney focusing on estate planning, probate administration, business formation and counseling, and consumer bankruptcy.

Find the best lawyer for your project

Browse Lawyers Now

Quick, user friendly and one of the better ways I've come across to get ahold of lawyers willing to take new clients.

View Trustpilot Review

Need help with a dispute

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 22,746 reviews
CONTRACT LAWYERS BY TOP CITIES
See All Real Estate Lawyers
ROOFING FRAUD LAWYERS BY CITY
See All Roofing Fraud Lawyers

Contracts Counsel was incredibly helpful and easy to use. I submitted a project for a lawyer's help within a day I had received over 6 proposals from qualified lawyers. I submitted a bid that works best for my business and we went forward with the project.

View Trustpilot Review

I never knew how difficult it was to obtain representation or a lawyer, and ContractsCounsel was EXACTLY the type of service I was hoping for when I was in a pinch. Working with their service was efficient, effective and made me feel in control. Thank you so much and should I ever need attorney services down the road, I'll certainly be a repeat customer.

View Trustpilot Review

I got 5 bids within 24h of posting my project. I choose the person who provided the most detailed and relevant intro letter, highlighting their experience relevant to my project. I am very satisfied with the outcome and quality of the two agreements that were produced, they actually far exceed my expectations.

View Trustpilot Review

Need help with a dispute

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 22,746 reviews

Want to speak to someone?

Get in touch below and we will schedule a time to connect!

Request a call

Find lawyers and attorneys by city