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How to Spot and Avoid Contractor Scams in 2026
Door-to-door pitches, storm chasers, and the six red flags that mean walk away.
BuildMate Editorial Updated March 2026 6 min read
The six red flags
- Unsolicited door knock (especially after a storm)
- Cash-only discount
- Large upfront deposit (>10% or >$1,000)
- No physical business address
- Pressure to sign 'today only'
- License number they can't produce on the spot
Post-storm scams
Storm-chaser roofers arrive within 48 hours of hail, promise to 'work with your insurance' and often disappear after collecting the ACV check. Only hire local contractors with 5+ years at the same address.
If you've been scammed
File with the state contractor licensing board, state attorney general, and BBB. If they took over $1,000 and disappeared, file a police report — most states classify this as theft by contractor.