The most common roofing scams in Québec

The face of roofing scams in 2026

The Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC) receives more than 1,100 roofing-related complaints each year in Québec. The average loss exceeds $4,800 per file, and nearly 30% of victims never recover a cent.

Here are the seven scams our team encounters most often.

1. The "storm" door-to-door

After a gust or hail shower, crews appear in the neighbourhood claiming to have "spotted damage from the street". They offer a free inspection, climb the roof, and come down with photos of damage… they just caused themselves.

How to protect yourself: never let a stranger climb your roof. Ask for the RBQ licence before any discussion. Real roofers almost never do door-to-door in Québec.

2. The disappearing deposit

The contractor demands a deposit of 30, 40, even 50% on signing. He supposedly orders materials, then vanishes. The money is gone.

Rule of thumb: a legitimate deposit never exceeds 10% of the contract or $1,000, whichever is lower. This is the OPC-recommended limit for home contracts.

3. The fake emergency

"Ma'am, your roof may collapse in the next 48 hours. If we don't intervene now, it's a cave-in." This pressure is almost always bluff. No shingle roof collapses overnight.

Reflex to develop: take 72 hours to get an independent second opinion, ideally from an AIBQ-certified building inspector or a neutral advisor.

4. The verbal contract or "handshake deal"

In Québec, any renovation contract over $25 must be in writing when concluded at home. The lack of a written contract removes the consumer's 10-day cancellation right and most legal remedies.

5. Undeclared subcontracting

You sign with company A. On work day, it's crew B (often less experienced, sometimes unlicensed) that shows up. If a problem arises, A denies responsibility and B claims to be only a subcontractor.

Protect yourself: require in writing that the work be performed directly by the signing company, or that any subcontractor be named and licensed.

6. Insurance fraud

After a loss, a contractor offers to "inflate" the claim with your insurer in exchange for a reduced deductible. This is criminal fraud for which you are criminally liable, even if the idea comes from the contractor.

7. Cash-only payment

"We'll knock off $1,500 if you pay cash, no invoice." That discount actually costs you:

• No written trace of payment
• No recourse in case of defective work
• No applicable warranty
• Possible tax-evasion complicity

Quick-reference table — red flags

Your remedies if scammed

1. Office de la protection du consommateur: file a formal complaint.
2. Régie du bâtiment du Québec: report the contractor.
3. Licence bond: claim up to $40,000 via the RBQ.
4. Small claims court: for amounts under $15,000.
5. Police: if outright fraud.

FAQ — Roofing scams

I signed under pressure. Can I cancel?

Yes. For any contract concluded at home in Québec, you have a 10-day cancellation period from the date of signing. Send the cancellation in writing.

How long to recover a fraudulent deposit?

Expect 8 to 14 months on average via the RBQ bond. Hence the importance of never paying more than 10%.

How to recognize a fake RBQ number?

The number must have exactly 10 digits and be verifiable on the official registry. If the business does not appear or its status is "suspended", it's invalid.