After a severe storm, homeowners often find themselves in a vulnerable position. With urgent repairs needed and insurance claims to navigate, they become prime targets for dishonest roofing contractors looking to make a quick buck. Unfortunately, storm-chasing scammers operate across the country, including here in Oklahoma, where severe weather like hailstorms and tornadoes frequently damage roofs.

To help protect yourself, we’ll break down five of the most common roofing scams, how they work, and what you can do to avoid becoming a victim.

1. The Storm Chaser Scam

How It Works:

After a major storm, you might notice an influx of roofing companies knocking on doors, promising fast and affordable repairs. Many of these contractors are known as storm chasers—they travel from one disaster area to the next, looking to profit off insurance claims. They often use high-pressure sales tactics, offering “free roof inspections” and claiming they’ll handle everything with your insurance company.

The problem? They do subpar work or take your money and disappear. Since they aren’t based locally, it’s nearly impossible to track them down if you have issues later on.

How to Avoid It:

• Always hire a local, licensed roofing company. If a contractor doesn’t have a permanent business address in Oklahoma, that’s a red flag.
• Check their reviews and reputation. Look for established companies with a strong presence on Google, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and local community pages.
• Be cautious of unsolicited roofers. If someone knocks on your door right after a storm, do your due diligence before signing anything.

2. The Insurance Fraud Scam

How It Works:

Some shady roofers will promise to “waive your deductible” or offer a rebate in exchange for working with them. They may even suggest inflating the insurance claim to cover extra costs or personal expenses. While this might sound like a great deal, it’s actually insurance fraud, which can lead to serious legal consequences for both you and the contractor.

How to Avoid It:

• Know your insurance policy. Your deductible is your responsibility, and any contractor offering to cover it is engaging in fraudulent activity.
• Get a detailed estimate. Make sure the roofing contractor provides an honest, itemized estimate that matches your insurance adjuster’s report.
• Work directly with your insurance company. If a contractor insists on handling everything without your involvement, that’s a red flag.

3. The High-Pressure Sales Scam

How It Works:

Some roofers use aggressive sales tactics to rush you into signing a contract before you’ve had time to think. They might claim:

• “This deal is only available today.”
• “We have limited spots left.”
• “Your roof is dangerous, and you need to act immediately.”

The goal is to get you to commit without comparing quotes or researching the company. Many homeowners later realize they overpaid or received low-quality work.

How to Avoid It:

• Never sign a contract on the spot. A legitimate contractor will give you time to review the details.
• Get multiple estimates. Compare at least three quotes from reputable roofing companies.
• Trust your gut. If a salesperson is making you feel uncomfortable or pressured, walk away.

4. The Low-Ball Quote Scam

How It Works:

A contractor offers you an extremely low estimate compared to other roofing companies. It seems like a great deal—until the work starts. Then, they claim they found unexpected issues and demand additional payments to complete the job. In other cases, they cut corners, using cheap materials and rushed labor, leaving you with a roof that won’t last.

How to Avoid It:

• Compare quotes carefully. If one estimate is significantly lower than the others, there’s probably a reason.
• Ask for details on materials and labor. A legitimate contractor will be transparent about what they’re using.
• Get everything in writing. A solid contract should outline all expected costs and project details.

5. The Vanishing Contractor Scam

How It Works:

Some roofers will ask for a large upfront payment—sometimes even the full amount—before starting work. Then, they disappear without ever completing the job. These scammers often use fake business names and change locations frequently, making it impossible to track them down.

How to Avoid It:

• Never pay the full amount upfront. A small deposit (usually 10-30%) is standard, but full payment before work begins is a major red flag.
• Verify their credentials. Check their business license, insurance, and references before hiring.
• Look for established local companies. A long-standing local roofing business is less likely to take your money and run.

How to Find a Trustworthy Roofing Contractor in Oklahoma

Now that you know what to avoid, here’s how to ensure you’re working with a reliable, professional roofing company:

✅ Check licensing and insurance – Any reputable roofing contractor in Oklahoma should be fully licensed and insured. This protects you from liability in case of accidents or damage.

✅ Read online reviews – Look at Google, Yelp, BBB, and Facebook reviews. A strong rating with positive feedback is a great indicator of a trustworthy business.

✅ Ask for references – A good roofer should be able to provide references from past customers in your area.

✅ Request a written contract – Your contract should include project details, estimated costs, timelines, and warranty information.

✅ Watch out for red flags – If a contractor is pushing for quick decisions, asking for full payment upfront, or offering deals that seem too good to be true, be cautious.

Final Thoughts

After a storm, you need fast and reliable roofing repairs—but you also need to be careful. Scammers prey on desperate homeowners, using shady tactics to take advantage of the situation. By understanding these common roofing scams and knowing what to look out for, you can protect yourself, your home, and your wallet.

When choosing a roofing contractor in Oklahoma, always do your research, get multiple quotes, and work with a trusted local company. If you’ve recently experienced storm damage and need an inspection, reach out to a reputable roofing professional who can help you get the repairs you need—without the risk of being scammed.