Roofing scams aren’t rare, and they don’t follow a season. All year long, homeowners get approached by people promising quick repairs or “discounted” roof work. Some walk away with your deposit. Others do work so sloppily that it needs to be redone right after.
Across Long Island, homeowners have reported everything from fake inspections to unlicensed roofers charging thousands upfront. These scams can leave you with unfinished work, unsafe repairs, or worse. No money left to make things right.
Knowing the most common roofing scams can save you from expensive mistakes and help you find a local roofing contractor you can trust.
9 Common Roofing Scams on Long Island (and How to Spot Them)
Scammers might change their story, but the tricks are usually the same. Here are the ones we see most often across Long Island.
1. The Storm Chaser
After major storms, crews often drive through neighborhoods offering “free inspections” or “fast insurance work.” They are usually not local and disappear once deposits clear. These roofers often use rental trucks and generic flyers to look legitimate. Hire only licensed Long Island roofers with a verified business address and a reputation you can confirm online.
2. The Lowball Estimate
A deal that looks much cheaper than everyone else’s quote usually comes with a catch. Some roofers drop their prices to win the job, then add “unexpected costs” once work begins or use lower-grade materials that do not last.
On Long Island, the average roof replacement can range from about $7,000 for smaller homes to $12,000 for mid-sized homes, with larger or more complex roofs reaching $18,000 or more. For a closer look at what those costs include, read our Roof Replacement Cost Guide for Long Island homeowners.
If a bid comes in far below that range, take a closer look before signing anything.
4. The Missing Contract
A handshake isn’t a contract. Once the work starts, promises get blurry fast. The only way to protect yourself is with paperwork that spells everything out, including materials, price, schedule, and warranty. If a roofer hesitates to write it down, that’s all you need to know.
6. Payment Scams
This group includes contractors who ask for large deposits, insist on cash, or request payment through apps like Zelle, Venmo, Apple Pay, or Cash App. These methods leave no protection once the money is gone.
Pro Tip: Safe Payment Practices
The way a contractor handles payment says a lot about how they do business.
A legitimate roofer is upfront about pricing and payment schedules.
Instead of cash or payment apps, use a check or a credit card made out to the company name listed on your contract. A proper agreement should include a clear payment schedule that breaks down deposits and final balances.
Most licensed roofers ask for a modest deposit, usually no more than one-third of the total cost, with the rest due after the work is finished and inspected. Keep every receipt, invoice, and written communication.
Having a paper trail protects you if you ever need to dispute a charge or report a scam.
7. Discounted Materials
“Special deals” on leftover shingles or discounted supplies sound helpful, but often lead to mismatched colors or low-grade materials that fail early. Some scammers will even use seconds or off-brand materials while charging for premium products. Ask for the product name and brand in writing, then confirm it with the manufacturer.
9. Insurance or Permit Scams
Some roofers offer to “handle your insurance” or ask you to pull your own permit. Both are red flags. In some cases, they will even file inflated claims on your behalf, which can put you at risk of insurance fraud. Never sign over your claim rights, and never be the one securing the permit. That is the contractor’s job
Real Scams Reported on Long Island
Roofing scams have made local headlines more than once, and the stories all sound too familiar. In a CBS New York report, several Long Island homeowners said they paid roofers thousands of dollars for storm repairs that never happened. The company took deposits, promised to start right away, and then stopped answering calls.
A similar warning came from ABC7 New York after crews were caught going door to door posing as contractors. They collected cash for roofing and paving jobs and disappeared before finishing any work. Officials said the scammers often target older residents and move quickly from town to town before complaints can catch up to them.
We have seen the same pattern here after Long Island storms. Contractors show up with quick promises, collect money, and vanish. These stories are reminders to slow down, verify licenses, and make sure you are working with a local, insured roofer who has a traceable reputation.
Checklist: How to Verify a Roofer’s License and Reputation
Before hiring a roofer, run through this quick checklist. It only takes a few minutes and can save you from major headaches later.
- License: Confirm they are licensed through Nassau’s Office of Consumer Affairs or Suffolk’s Department of Labor, Licensing & Consumer Affairs.
- Insurance: Ask for proof of liability and workers’ compensation coverage.
- Business Address: Make sure they have a real, local address on Long Island.
- Reviews: Read feedback on Google and the Better Business Bureau.
- References: Request contact information for recent customers.
- Written Estimate: Never agree to verbal pricing or handshake deals.
- Warranty: Get materials and labor warranties in writing.
We outline each step in more detail in our full guide on how to choose a roofing contractor in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Protecting Your Home Starts With the Right Long Island Roofing Contractor
Roofing scams are not new, but they keep finding new ways to catch homeowners off guard. The best protection is doing your homework before you hire. Check licenses, read reviews, and make sure every agreement is in writing.
Unified Home Remodeling has been serving Long Island for decades. We are licensed and insured in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Our teams work across Baldwin, Westchester, Brooklyn, and Patchogue. Our reviews, photos, and awards are always available for anyone who wants to take a look before reaching out.
As a reputable Long Island Roofing contractor, we believe in doing the job the right way the first time, with fair pricing and clear communication from start to finish. If you’re ready to talk about your roof, we’re here to help. Schedule a free consultation with one of our home roofing experts by calling 888-631-2131 or filling out our online form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check if a roofer is licensed on Long Island?
Both Nassau and Suffolk Counties let you search roofing licenses online. Nassau licenses are listed through the Office of Consumer Affairs, and Suffolk licenses are verified through the Department of Labor, Licensing & Consumer Affairs. If the company you’re checking isn’t listed, that’s a good sign to move on.
What should I do if I think I’ve been scammed by a roofer?
Start by collecting proof. Save every email, text, invoice, or photo of the work that was done or not done. Then report it to your county’s consumer protection office and the New York State Attorney General. If insurance is involved, contact your insurer right away before making any other payments.
Is it okay to hire a roofer who offers to handle my insurance claim?
It’s fine if a roofer helps you organize documents or communicate with your insurer, but you should never hand over control of the claim. Some contractors inflate costs or pocket the payout. Keep your name on every piece of paperwork and make sure all payments come directly from you.
What’s a normal deposit for a roof replacement?
Most licensed roofers on Long Island ask for about one-third of the total cost upfront to order materials. Anything more than that should raise concern. Always make payments to the company name listed on the contract, not an individual, and avoid cash or mobile app payments.
Can a roofer start work without a permit?
If the job involves structural changes or full roof replacement, a permit is almost always required. The contractor should be the one pulling it, not you. If they ask you to get the permit yourself, that’s a red flag and means that they’re likely unlicensed or trying to avoid inspection.
How can I tell if a roofing quote is too low?
If the price is thousands less than other estimates, it usually means the contractor is cutting corners on materials or labor. On Long Island, smaller homes average around $7,000 for a new roof, mid-sized homes about $12,000, and larger ones $18,000 or more. Always compare written estimates and ask about materials and installation before choosing the lowest bid.
Can roofers knock on doors legally in New York?
They can, but you don’t have to engage. Door-to-door sales are one of the most common setups for roofing scams. Always ask for identification, licensing information, and a business address before discussing your roof. If it feels rushed or pushy, it’s best to pass.
What should a legitimate roofing contract include?
A solid contract lists the full scope of work, materials, start and end dates, total cost, warranty terms, and proof of licensing and insurance. If any of that is missing, ask for it before signing.
What is the safest way to pay for roofing work?
Use a check or credit card made out to the company’s name on your contract. Avoid cash, Zelle, Venmo, Apple Pay, or Cash App. Those payments cannot be tracked or reversed if there is a problem later.