Don’t Let Disaster Become Devastation: How LA County Homeowners Can Shield Themselves from Roofing Scams After Natural Disasters

When natural disasters strike Los Angeles County, homeowners face a double threat: the immediate damage from fires, storms, or earthquakes, followed by a wave of opportunistic scammers ready to exploit their vulnerability. These fraudsters offer door-to-door services, such as roofing repairs, and demand upfront payments before performing subpar work or inflating costs. Unfortunately, various types of fraudsters will descend on Los Angeles and other fire-ravaged areas, preying on victims and exploiting insurance payouts.

The Anatomy of Post-Disaster Roofing Scams

Understanding how these scams operate is your first line of defense. After a storm hits your area, you receive a phone call or a knock on the door by someone who claims they are a roofing contractor. The scammer will pressure you to sign a contract on the spot or pay upfront. These so-called “storm chasers” are particularly dangerous because they often offer to inspect your roof, but this is a scam, too — once up there, they often create even more damage so they can tally up a larger bill.

Recent events in LA County have shown just how prevalent these schemes become after disasters. These fraudsters offer door-to-door services, such as roofing repairs, and demand upfront payments before performing subpar work or inflating costs. The fraudsters frequently return to extort more money from easy targets.

Red Flags That Should Set Off Alarm Bells

Protecting yourself starts with recognizing the warning signs. Here are the most critical red flags to watch for:

• Unsolicited Door-to-Door Visits: Beware of contractors who show up uninvited, claiming to have spotted issues with your roof. Reputable contractors do not resort to such tactics.
• High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Any contractor pressuring you into making a hasty decision or demanding a large cash deposit upfront should raise red flags. Scammers say you’ll get a discount, but only if you sign a contract right away.
• Upfront Payment Demands: Scammers ask you to pay for everything up front. If they want cash up front, walk away. Legitimate contractors typically require only modest deposits to cover initial materials.
• Insurance Fraud Offers: They’ll offer a way for you to get out of paying your deductible, perhaps even offering to pay it for you, which is a form of insurance fraud.
• Lack of Proper Documentation: If they won’t give you copies of their license, insurance, or a contract in writing, that’s a red flag.

How to Protect Yourself: A Step-by-Step Defense Strategy

1. Contact Your Insurance Company First

If you think your home has been damaged, your first call should be to your insurance agent to file a homeowners insurance claim. Your insurer will send out an adjuster to inspect the damage, and from there, you can get quotes from local, reputable roofing companies.

2. Verify Contractor Credentials Thoroughly

Check out a contractor’s reputation by searching online for their name with words like “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.” Confirm your contractor’s license and insurance. Check with your state or county government to confirm a contractor’s license, and ask the contractor for proof of insurance. Consider only contractors who are licensed and insured.

3. Get Multiple Estimates

Reputable contractors aren’t pushy or demanding. You should never be pressured into making a decision on the spot, and they should understand that getting multiple bids is a part of the process.

4. Use Secure Payment Methods

Pay by credit card or check, never by wire transfer, gift card, payment app, cryptocurrency or in cash. Scammers ask for these types of payments because, once they’ve collected the money, it’s almost impossible for you to get it back.

The Value of Working with Established Local Contractors

When disaster strikes, partnering with a trusted local Roofer LA County, CA becomes crucial for your peace of mind and financial protection. Royal Roofing exemplifies what homeowners should look for in a legitimate contractor. By treating every client like family and consistently delivering superior quality and service, we strive to become your local roofing contractor for life. As a family-owned and operated business, we focus on building long-term relationships that span generations. After decades in business, our values haven’t changed. We still—and always will—believe in doing the job right and standing behind our work.

Established local contractors like Royal Roofing, which has been serving Southern California for nearly 50 years, offer several advantages over fly-by-night operators:

• Local Accountability: As a Los Angeles based local roofer, we are proud to serve all of Southern California including Beverly Hills, Orange County, San Fernando Valley, Long Beach and San Pedro, and the San Gabriel and Pomona Valleys.
• Proven Track Record: Steve Pinkus, President and CEO of Royal Roofing since 1995, brings nearly four decades of hands-on experience to our company. With more than $75 million in roofing, restoration, and repair sales, he leads with a deep commitment to quality construction and total customer satisfaction. Earning and keeping the trust of his clients, colleagues, and team has always been his top priority.
• Comprehensive Services: Specializing in roof repairs, maintenance, restoration, re-roofing, and more, we serve commercial, industrial, and multi-family properties with solutions that are built to last.

What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted

If you suspect you’ve encountered a roofing scammer, take immediate action:

1. Don’t Panic: If you hear a knock on your door and are confronted by someone telling you really bad news about your roof, don’t panic. When you’ve just experienced a heavy storm with hail, it’s only natural to be fearful, but don’t act on that fear. Rather, decline interaction with contractors who knock on your door and instead get on the phone and schedule an inspection with a trusted local roofer.
2. Report Suspicious Activity: If you think you see a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report could help the FTC stop the scammers and help someone else avoid that scam.
3. Contact Authorities: In LA County, Homeland Security, the FBI, the ATF, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, the LAPD and the Sheriff’s Department have formed a Joint Regional Fire Crimes Task Force specifically to investigate and prosecute “criminal actors seeking to exploit the wildfire crisis.” Those investigations will include “misuse of aid programs administered by government agencies,” including FEMA and the Small Business Administration.

The Bottom Line: Prevention is Your Best Protection

Natural disasters are traumatic enough without adding the financial devastation of contractor fraud to your recovery process. “We’re about to have billions of dollars of federal money descend on Los Angeles County; there are people who look at that as the opportunity of a lifetime to rip it off,” said newly elected District Attorney Nathan Hochman. By staying informed about common scam tactics, verifying credentials, and working with established local contractors, you can protect yourself from becoming another victim.

Remember: legitimate contractors understand that roof repairs are significant investments that require careful consideration. They won’t pressure you into immediate decisions, and they’ll provide proper documentation, references, and transparent pricing. When disaster strikes, take the time to make informed decisions—your financial security and your family’s safety depend on it.

If you need roofing services in LA County, research contractors thoroughly, get multiple estimates, and choose companies with established local reputations and proper licensing. Your roof protects your most valuable asset—make sure the contractor you choose protects your interests as well.