An old metal doorbell button on a weathered blue wooden door

Door-to-Door Repair Scams After Storms

Mano Dienste Home Desk Payments and Protection

After a storm, the first people to knock on your door aren’t always there to help. Scammers count on stress and urgency.

Licensing, permit, lien and tax rules vary by state and city and change over time. This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice; check with your local building department, state licensing board or a professional for your situation.

Checklist

  • Be wary of unsolicited offers, especially right after a storm or disaster.
  • Don’t pay large amounts up front or pay in cash.
  • FEMA inspectors don’t charge fees and carry photo identification.
  • Report suspected disaster fraud to the FTC, FEMA or the National Center for Disaster Fraud.

Storms, floods and fires bring out good contractors, and opportunists who follow the damage. Knowing the common patterns makes them easier to spot.

How the scams work

  • The knock on the door: someone says they noticed damage while working nearby and can fix it today.
  • The big deposit: you pay a large amount up front for materials, and the crew never returns.
  • The inflated or unnecessary repair: minor damage becomes a full roof replacement.
  • The fake official: someone claims to be from FEMA, your insurer or the city, and asks for a fee or personal information.

Warning signs

  1. They showed up unsolicited and pressure you to decide now.
  2. They want cash, or most of the money before starting.
  3. They have no license number, local address or proof of insurance.
  4. They ask you to get the permits.
  5. They offer a special price because of “leftover materials.”

Red flags

FEMA says its inspectors never charge for inspections and carry photo ID badges. A FEMA logo on a shirt or jacket isn’t proof. If you’re unsure, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to check.

Before you sign anything

  • Document the damage with photos and contact your insurer.
  • Make urgent temporary repairs to prevent further damage, and keep receipts.
  • Get written estimates from local contractors you’ve checked. See how to check a contractor’s license.
  • Read every document before signing, and never sign a contract with blank spaces.

If you do sign at your home, remember the Cooling-Off Rule. Our contract checklist explains it.

Where to report fraud

  • the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov
  • FEMA’s Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721
  • the U.S. Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud
  • your state attorney general and local police

If you’ve already paid someone who disappeared, see when a contractor job goes wrong for the next steps.

Homeowners ask

Can I cancel a contract I signed with a door-to-door salesperson?

Often, yes. The FTC’s Cooling-Off Rule generally gives you three business days to cancel sales of $25 or more made at your home, though there are exceptions, including some emergency repairs you request.

Does FEMA recommend contractors?

No. FEMA doesn’t endorse or recommend contractors. Be suspicious of anyone who claims to be approved or certified by FEMA.

What about a contractor offering to deal with my insurance company?

Be careful about signing documents that give a contractor rights to your insurance claim. Talk to your insurer first and read any assignment carefully.