Signs of a roofing scam in Ontario — and how to verify WSIB

Direct answer

A legitimate Ontario roofing contractor will always provide a current WSIB clearance certificate number, $2M+ liability proof and a written contract before any deposit. The single most reliable scam filter is a 60-second clearance check at the WSIB eServices portal — and yet fewer than 1 in 4 Ontario homeowners actually run it.

Why scams concentrate in Ontario

Ontario's mix of large suburban detached stock, frequent severe-weather events (windstorms, hail, ice storms) and an unlicensed roofing trade (no provincial licence equivalent to Québec's RBQ) creates room for opportunistic operators. Ontario consumer-protection enforcement is reactive — the protection works, but only if you document.

The 7 most common Ontario roofing scams

1. Post-storm door-to-door

After wind, hail or freezing-rain events, crews canvass neighbourhoods claiming "visible damage from the street". They climb up and come down with photos of damage they often caused themselves. Never let a stranger on your roof.

2. The vanishing deposit

30 to 50% deposit demanded "to order materials", contractor disappears. Ontario's Consumer Protection Act, 2002 caps recourse to the contract terms — without WSIB and a real business address, recovery is nearly impossible.

3. The fake emergency

"Your roof will fail in 48 hours." No shingle roof fails overnight. Take 72 hours and get an independent opinion.

4. Cash-only discount

"Save HST if you pay cash." You lose the written paper trail, any warranty claim, and become a participant in tax evasion.

5. Undisclosed subcontracting

You sign with company A; crew B (often uninsured) shows up. Always require in writing that the signing company performs the work, or that any subcontractor is named, WSIB-cleared and insured.

6. Insurance-claim inflation

Contractor offers to inflate your hail or windstorm claim against your insurer. This is criminal fraud — and you are personally liable.

7. The unlicensed "general contractor"

Ontario has no provincial roofer licence, but the contractor must still hold:

• WSIB clearance certificate (mandatory for any business with workers)
• Commercial general liability insurance: $2M minimum
• HST registration (if revenue > $30k/yr)
• A registered business name with the Ontario Business Registry

How to verify WSIB in 60 seconds

1. Get the contractor's legal business name and WSIB account number from the quote.
2. Go to WSIB eServices (online.wsib.on.ca) → Clearances → Validate.
3. Enter the certificate number.
4. Confirm the certificate is "valid" and the legal name matches your quote exactly.
5. Print or screenshot the result and attach it to your file.

If the contractor refuses to provide the number, walk away.

Quick-reference table — Ontario red flags

Your remedies if scammed in Ontario

1. Cancel within 10 days under the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 (any door-to-door contract).
2. File a complaint with the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery (Consumer Protection Ontario).
3. Report to WSIB if the contractor falsely claimed coverage.
4. Small Claims Court — Ontario limit is $35,000.
5. Police if outright fraud (forged WSIB, identity misuse).

FAQ — Ontario roofing scams

Is there a roofing licence in Ontario like Québec's RBQ?

No. Ontario regulates roofing through WSIB coverage, liability insurance, the Consumer Protection Act and municipal building permits — not a provincial trade licence.

I signed a door-to-door contract under pressure. Can I cancel?

Yes. Under Ontario's Consumer Protection Act, 2002, you have 10 days to cancel a direct-agreement (door-to-door) contract, with no reason required. Send written notice to the contractor.

How much does a fraudulent deposit take to recover in Ontario?

Through Small Claims Court, 6 to 14 months on average, and only if the company still has assets. The 10% deposit cap is your real protection.