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🛡️ Consumer Protection Guide

Avoid Roofing Scams in Shawnee

Hey family, roofing scams hit hard in Shawnee, especially after storms. Don't rush into hiring—scammers prey on urgency. Follow these steps to stay safe and hire pros who deliver quality work. Protect your home and wallet.

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Common Residential & Commercial Roofing Scams in Shawnee

Be aware of these tactic used by unlicensed operators

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Storm Chaser Scams

Out-of-area crews swarm after wind or hail, claim urgent roof failure, push spot contracts with big deposits, then botch repairs or ghost. Common in Ohio's stormy seasons.

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Upfront Payment Traps

Scammers demand 50%+ payment before work starts, deliver subpar job or disappear entirely. They often insist on cash, checks, or gift cards.

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Fake Damage Upsell

Use ladders or drones to 'spot' invisible issues, recommend full tear-off when patch suffices, inflating costs unnecessarily.

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Shoddy Materials Switch

Quote asphalt shingles but install cheap knockoffs. Work fails quickly, voiding warranties.

How to Verify a Professional

1

Insurance

Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for general liability (at least $1M) and workers' compensation. Call the listed insurance company to verify it's current and job-specific. Ask to be named as an additional insured for extra protection.

2

Licensing

Ohio requires roofing contractors to be licensed by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB). Go to ocilb.ohio.gov, search by name or license number to confirm status and any complaints. It's free and quick—do this before any agreement.

3

References

Insist on 3-5 recent local references from similar jobs. Contact them directly to ask about workmanship, punctuality, cleanup, and if they'd rehire. Supplement with checks on BBB.org and Google reviews.

Protection FAQs

Do roofers need a license in Ohio?

Yes, roofing is a specialty trade requiring an OCILB license. Verify at ocilb.ohio.gov to ensure they're active and complaint-free.

What's a fair upfront payment for roofing?

10-30% max as deposit. Pros bill progressively: materials, demo, install, final. Avoid full prepayment.

How do I verify insurance?

Get COI copy, call insurer to confirm coverage limits, dates, and exclusions. Request additional insured status.

Should I sign a contract on the spot after a storm?

Never. Take 48-72 hours minimum. Tarp temporarily if needed, then vet 3+ licensed locals.

What if they skip permits?

Red flag—walk away. Permits protect you from code violations, shoddy work, and liability.

I've been scammed—what now?

Stop payments, document everything, report to Ohio AG (ohioattorneygeneral.gov), local police, BBB. Consult lawyer if losses big.

How to spot fake online reviews?

Look for patterns: generic praise, no photos, new accounts. Cross-check BBB ratings and ask for real references.

Hire with Confidence

Don't take risks with your property. We connect you with pre-screened, licensed professionals in Shawnee.

Licensed & insured professionals CALL NOW: 1-866-674-2070