Signs of a roofing contractor scam in Québec
Written by Marc D., GCT Expert Analyst · Updated March 2026 · 2 min read
A fraudulent roofer almost always leaves the same fingerprints. Here are the 10 signals that should make you refuse a contract — even under pressure.
Direct answer
A Québec roofing scam is identified by a combination of behavioural signals (pressure, fabricated urgency, cash payment) and documentary signals (missing or suspended RBQ licence, missing GST/QST numbers, incomplete contract). The presence of at least three of these signals is enough to refuse the contract outright.
The 10 signs to recognize
- Unsolicited door-to-door visit claiming a "visible defect on your roof"
- Fabricated urgency: "If you wait, your roof will fail this winter"
- Large discount valid only today
- Refusal to provide a written RBQ number
- RBQ number absent from the registry rbq.gouv.qc.ca or marked as "suspended"
- Deposit demand above 25% or cash-only payment
- No GST / QST number on the quote
- Postal address only (PO box, no verifiable office)
- Verbal contract or quote on a sticky note with no professional header
- Refusal to provide recent references with verifiable addresses
The most common fraud patterns in 2026
The fake deposit
The contractor requests 50 to 80% of the contract "to order materials", then disappears. Average loss reported to OPC: $4,800.
Post-storm urgency
After intense weather, crews "happening to be in the neighbourhood" offer discounted repairs. The work is superficial, sometimes harmful.
The fictitious discount
The initial price is inflated by 35 to 50%, then a "special discount" brings it back to true market price. The illusion of savings drives the signature.
The ghost subcontractor
The salesperson does not work for the licence-holding company. They sell your file to an uninsured subcontractor.
Reflexes to adopt immediately
- Never sign on the same day. Québec grants a legal 10-day reflection period for contracts signed at home.
- Verify the RBQ licence in 90 seconds on the official registry.
- Refuse any deposit greater than 10%.
- Request proof of civil liability insurance ($2M minimum).
- Keep all written communications.
- Have the quote validated by an independent third party.
Where to report a scam
- Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ): 1 800 361-0761
- Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC): 1 888 672-2556
- Local police in case of financial loss or threats
FAQ — Roofing scams in Québec
Can I cancel a contract signed at home?
Yes. OPC grants a 10-day cancellation window for contracts signed outside the contractor's place of business.
My contractor demands a 50% deposit. Is that legal?
It is legal but strongly discouraged. Serious Québec market practice is a maximum 10% deposit.
What if the contractor cashed my deposit and vanished?
Document everything, contact OPC, your home insurance, and consult a lawyer. The RBQ bond may cover part of the losses.
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