Published on: May 09, 2025

Common Roofing Scams in Missouri and How to Avoid Them

Missouri homeowners know just how unpredictable the weather can be. One week it is calm and dry, and the next, storms roll through with hail and high winds. It is during these vulnerable moments that roofing scams tend to show up. A little damage to your roof can attract the wrong kind of attention, especially from out-of-town contractors looking to make quick money.

If you live in Greenwood or anywhere in the Kansas City area, staying alert can save you thousands of dollars and uncalled for headaches. Here are the most common roofing scams in Missouri, and how you can avoid falling for them.

The Door-Knocker After a Storm

You hear a knock on the door. A person wearing a branded shirt says they were “just in the neighborhood” and noticed damage on your roof. They might offer a free inspection on the spot or even show you photos of storm damage from "nearby homes."

What to watch for:

Scammers will often create a false sense of urgency. Some may even climb up and cause minor damage themselves to justify the work.

What to do instead:

Do not commit on the spot. Ask for a business card, look up the company online, and contact your insurance before agreeing to any inspection or repairs.

The Vanishing Down Payment

Some scammers ask for a large upfront payment, sometimes claiming it is to “buy materials” or “lock in today’s price.” Once they get the money, they vanish. No work is done. No materials are ever delivered.

How to stay safe:

A legitimate roofer may ask for a small deposit, but never full or half up front. Use a credit card if possible and make sure there is a written contract. If someone insists on cash only, that is a major red flag.

Insurance Fraud Schemes

One of the more dangerous scams involves shady contractors offering to "take care of your deductible" or suggesting that they can inflate your damage claim to get more from the insurance company. This is illegal and it can get you into trouble too.

What to know:

Companies that are true to you will work with your insurance adjuster for you. They will not go around them. Anyone who manipulates the process or asks you to not contact your insurance provider is making room for scams

No License, Permits or Warranty

Scammers can offer cheaper prices because they cut corners. They may not show permits, skip inspections and disregard licenses altogether. Their work may look scot-free at first but months later you will spot leaks, or worse consequences.

Your best defense:

Always check that your contractor is licensed and insured in Missouri. Never trust without proof. If you are highly skeptical, you can request a written warranty and details for the material being used.

High-Pressure Sales Tactics

Another red flag? A contractor who refuses to give you time to think. They may pressure you to sign a contract immediately or claim prices will go up “tomorrow.”

Tip:

If the work is legit, it will still be there after you have had a day or two to compare quotes and read reviews.

Roofing scams happen every year in Missouri, especially after big storms. The best thing you can do is slow down, ask questions, and work with a reputable, local company that is known in the community. The best way to do this is looking for local companies with physical addresses and not just phone numbers. Check their online reviews but do not rely on them completely.

At TK Roofing in Greenwood, we believe in establishing a relationship with our customers, earning their trust, having open communication and then making decisions. We are happy to answer any questions, provide written estimates and show you our license and insurance without any pressure.

If you have any questions or need a roof inspection after a storm, give us a call and we will be happy to help.