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🛡️ Consumer Protection Guide

Avoid Roofing Scams in Como, NC

Roofing work is one of the biggest investments you'll make in your home or business, and unfortunately, it's also a prime target for scammers. From storm chasers who appear after bad weather to contractors who take deposits and disappear, the risks are real in Como and across Hertford County. The good news? Most roofing contractors are hardworking professionals who take pride in their work. The key is knowing the difference between a legitimate pro and someone looking to take advantage. Here's how to protect yourself and your property.

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Common Residential & Commercial Roofing Scams in Como

Be aware of these tactic used by unlicensed operators

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The Storm Chaser Scam

After severe weather passes through Hertford County, out-of-town contractors swarm the area claiming they spotted damage on your roof. They offer a 'free inspection,' find issues you weren't aware of, and pressure you into signing over your insurance claim to them. They often do poor work with cheap materials and are gone before you realize there's a problem.

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The Upfront Payment Disappearing Act

A contractor demands a large deposit — often 50% or more — before ordering materials or starting work. After payment, they provide excuses for delays, do minimal work, or stop showing up entirely. Your calls go unanswered, and you're left with a half-finished roof and an empty bank account.

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The 'Free Roof' Insurance Fraud Scheme

A roofer tells you they can get your entire roof replaced for free by working around your insurance deductible. They inflate the damage estimate or claim storm damage that doesn't exist, then submit fraudulent claims to your insurance company. While you might get a 'free' roof, you're now part of an insurance fraud investigation that could lead to policy cancellation, blacklisting, or legal trouble.

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The Material Switch & Change Order Trap

You agree to a quote based on specific materials (certain shingles, underlayment, flashing), but the contractor uses cheaper alternatives without telling you. Or they start the job and suddenly claim 'unforeseen issues' that require expensive change orders — often doubling the final bill.

How to Verify a Professional

1

Insurance

Ask for a certificate of insurance directly from the contractor's insurance agent — not a copy the contractor hands you. Verify they carry both general liability insurance (to cover damage to your property) and workers' compensation insurance (to cover injuries to workers on your property). Call the insurance company listed on the certificate to confirm the policy is active and hasn't lapsed.

2

Licensing

North Carolina does not have a statewide roofing license, but general contractors performing roofing work over $30,000 must be licensed by the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors. Check a contractor's license at the NC L Board website (nclbgc.org). For smaller jobs, ask for proof of a local business license through Hertford County. Always verify the name on the license matches the company you're hiring.

3

References

Ask for at least three recent references from jobs completed in or near Como or Hertford County within the last year. Call each reference and ask: Was the work completed on time? Were there unexpected costs? Did the contractor clean up properly? Also check online reviews on Google, the Better Business Bureau, and local community pages — but be aware that fake reviews exist, so look for detailed, specific feedback.

Protection FAQs

Do roofers in Como, NC need a license?

North Carolina requires a general contractor's license for roofing projects over $30,000. For smaller jobs, there is no statewide roofing-specific license, but legitimate roofers should have a local business license from Hertford County. Always verify their credentials and ask for proof of licensing. You can check general contractor licenses at the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors website (nclbgc.org).

How much should I pay upfront for a roofing job in Como?

Never pay more than 10-20% of the total project cost upfront. Reputable roofers have credit relationships with suppliers and don't need your money to order materials. A reasonable payment schedule ties payments to completed milestones — for example, a deposit to start, a progress payment when materials are delivered, and the final payment after the job passes inspection and you're satisfied with the work.

What should be included in a roofing contract in North Carolina?

A solid roofing contract should include: the contractor's full business name, address, and license number; a detailed scope of work with specific materials (brand, color, model); the total price and payment schedule; start and completion dates; warranty information for materials and workmanship; clean-up and debris removal terms; and a clause requiring written approval for any changes to the scope of work.

What is a storm chaser and why should I avoid them?

Storm chasers are out-of-town contractors who follow severe weather events and go door-to-door offering roofing services. They often use high-pressure tactics, demand large upfront payments, perform substandard work, and leave the area once the job is done. You're left with no way to reach them for warranty repairs. Always choose a local roofer with a verifiable address and history in Hertford County.

Is it illegal for a roofer to offer to cover my insurance deductible in North Carolina?

Yes. Under North Carolina law, it is illegal for a contractor to offer to pay, waive, or rebate your insurance deductible. This constitutes insurance fraud and can result in fines, legal action, and cancellation of your policy. If a roofer makes this offer, they are not a trustworthy professional — walk away and report them to the NC Department of Insurance.

How can I verify a roofer's insurance coverage?

Ask the roofer for a certificate of insurance (COI) that lists their general liability and workers' compensation coverage. Then, call the insurance agency listed on the COI to confirm the policy is active and has not lapsed. Be cautious if the roofer only shows you a photocopy or a screenshot — a legitimate COI comes directly from their insurance provider and includes a policy number you can verify.

What questions should I ask a roofer's references?

When calling references, ask: Was the project completed on time and on budget? Were there unexpected costs? Did the crew show up on time and behave professionally? Was the worksite kept clean and safe? Did the roofer handle any problems that came up? Would you hire them again? Look for references from projects similar in size and scope to yours, ideally within Hertford County.

How can I report a roofing scam in Como, NC?

If you suspect a roofing scam, report it to the North Carolina Department of Insurance at 1-855-408-1212, the North Carolina Attorney General's Office, and the Hertford County Sheriff's Office. You can also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau and report consumer fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint.

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