Don’t Fall for Fake Reviews: Your Complete Guide to Researching Roofing Contractor Reviews and References

When your roof needs repair or replacement, choosing the right contractor can mean the difference between decades of protection and costly headaches. With roofing scams costing homeowners thousands of dollars annually, knowing how to properly research contractor reviews and references isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for protecting your home and wallet.

The Growing Problem of Fake Roofing Reviews

Some roofing companies create fake online reviews to mislead potential customers and build a false reputation. These fake reviews can make it harder for homeowners to identify reliable contractors, as they often seem convincing at first glance. We’ve even encountered roofing companies that list fake reviews from accounts with no other activity or “testimonials” that read like generic filler copy.

The Federal Trade Commission has taken notice of this problem. In August, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued the final Trade Regulation Rule on the Use of Consumer Reviews and Testimonials banning fake reviews and testimonials and allowing FTC to strengthen enforcement, seek civil penalties against violators, and deter AI-generated fake reviews.

Red Flags in Online Reviews

Learning to spot fake reviews is your first line of defense. Look out for generic reviewer profiles. If a reviewer has a very common or generic name, such as John Smith or Jane Doe, you’ve spotted a red flag. Fake reviewers usually post under fake names, sometimes even just a series of letters and numbers, and rarely do they have a profile picture.

Pay attention to the content quality as well. Examine the quality and timing of product reviews. A good review will briefly explain why or why not the product in question was a good purchase. If you notice a product has several five-star or one-star reviews with just a word or two in the written portion of the review, or if the reviews use language that is generic, studded with irrelevant details, or overly enthusiastic, you may be looking at fake reviews.

Where to Find Reliable Reviews

Look for reviews across multiple platforms, including Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau (BBB), to get a well-rounded picture of the company’s reputation. Ask friends, family, or neighbors for recommendations—they can offer valuable insights and help you find trustworthy contractors.

The Better Business Bureau is particularly valuable for contractor research. Filtered results by “BBB Accredited Businesses” or “All Businesses.” Remember: BBB Accredited Businesses are vetted and held to ethical business standards. Verified customer reviews and complaints.

The Importance of References

Don’t rely solely on online reviews—ask for direct references. Ask for references and check them out. Bad contractors will be reluctant to share this information, and scammers won’t wait for you to do your homework. If you can, get references from past customers, both older references to check on the quality of the work and newer references to ensure current employees are up to the task.

When contacting references, ask specific questions about the contractor’s work quality, timeliness, communication, and cleanup. A reputable contractor will gladly provide multiple recent references and encourage you to contact them.

Verifying Contractor Credentials

Beyond reviews, verify essential credentials. One of the key areas to check if a roofing company is legit is proof of proper licensing and insurance. Depending on your area, roofing contractors may be locally or licensed at the state level. To check for licensing, contact your state’s Department of Professional Regulation.

Insurance verification is equally important. Ensure that the company you work with has the necessary licenses and insurance to operate in your region. As for your contractor’s insurance information, call the carrier to confirm appropriate coverage for worker’s compensation, property damage, and personal liability.

Warning Signs of Roofing Scams

Be alert to common scam tactics. Some roofing contractors chase storms, meaning they follow severe weather and go to those areas hoping to drum up business. Sometimes referred to as “storm chasers,” they often approach homeowners and say they’ve noticed roof damage or even offer a free roof inspection. Often, these storm chasers collect a down payment or do less-than-quality work and skip town before completing the job.

Any contractor who insists on a quick decision or pushes a customer to sign a contract immediately without time for consideration should raise suspicion. A reputable contractor will provide time for you to think it over and will encourage doing research.

A Local Example: A Russo Roofing & Siding

To illustrate what legitimate contractor credentials look like, consider A Russo Roofing & Siding, a family-owned roofing contractor nj company. A Russo Roofing & Siding has been protecting Shrewsbury homes since the 1980s. We’re not some fly-by-night operation—we’re your neighbors, and we’ve built our reputation one roof at a time. A Russo Roofing & Siding has been fixing roofs in Middletown and throughout Monmouth County since the 1980s.

The company demonstrates several hallmarks of a reputable contractor: Yes, A Russo Roofing & Siding is fully licensed and insured to work throughout Fair Haven and Monmouth County. We carry comprehensive liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage for your protection. Our licensing ensures we meet all local building codes and regulations. They also offer substantial warranties: We provide a 30-year labor warranty and 20-year workmanship warranty on all roof installations. This covers our installation work, not just the materials.

Best Practices for Research

Follow these steps for thorough contractor research:

• Before hiring a roofing contractor, it is crucial to conduct thorough research. Start with online reviews, and check platforms like Better Business Bureau for ratings and complaints. Ask prospective contractors for references from recent clients.
• Because general contractor bids can vary from company to company, it’s good practice to gather at least three quotes. And remember, the quality of these quotes is vastly improved when you limit your requests to trustworthy businesses, such as BBB Accredited Businesses.
• Search the company name with terms like “scam,” “complaint,” or “lawsuit” to uncover potential issues
• Verify all licensing and insurance information independently
• Insist on detailed written contracts before any work begins

Protecting Yourself from Payment Scams

Be cautious about payment demands. Generally speaking, a reasonable deposit for roofing work in Illinois is around 10–20% of the total cost. Oftentimes, a red flag is anything above 50% upfront or full payment before work starts. However, down payments shouldn’t exceed 20% of the projected total bill. If you receive an estimate from a contractor with a 50% down payment or higher, that’s a big red flag they might be a scammer.

Conclusion

Researching roofing contractor reviews and references requires diligence, but it’s your best defense against scams and poor workmanship. By checking multiple review platforms, verifying credentials, asking for references, and staying alert to red flags, you can find a trustworthy contractor who will protect your home for decades to come. Remember, legitimate contractors welcome scrutiny—they know their reputation and work quality will speak for themselves.

Take your time with this important decision. Your roof is too important to trust to anyone but a thoroughly vetted, properly licensed, and well-reviewed professional.