Home & Family
Storm-chaser home repair
After a storm, hail, or flooding, crews go door to door offering roof, driveway, or tree work at a 'today only' discount — often claiming they have leftover materials from a job nearby. They ask for a large deposit up front, then do shoddy work or disappear with the money. Some also 'find' extra damage to inflate an insurance claim in your name.
What it looks like
Example scam message“We're finishing your neighbor's roof and noticed hail damage on yours. We have leftover shingles, so we can do it at half price — but only if you put down $3,000 in cash today.”
Details like names, amounts, and links change — the pattern stays the same.
Red flags to watch for
- A contractor at your door right after a storm.
- A large deposit demanded in cash before any work starts.
- 'Today only' pricing or a leftover-materials story.
- No local address, license number, or written contract.
- Pressure to sign over your insurance claim to them.
What to do
- Never pay a large cash deposit to a door-to-door crew.
- Get at least two written estimates from local, licensed contractors.
- Call your insurance company before signing anything.
- Check the company with your state licensing board and the Better Business Bureau.
Where to report it
- ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- BBB.org/ScamTracker
- Your state attorney general's office
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ShieldGuard provides informational guidance to help you spot likely scams. It is not legal or financial advice and not a guarantee — no tool catches every scam. When money is involved, slow down and talk to someone you trust before acting.