In Melbourne, homeowners have increasingly fallen victim to roofing scams and dodgy roofing operators. Unfortunately, this has led to financial loss, poor workmanship, and long-term damage. Whether it’s a scammer knocking on your door or a so-called “cheap” roofing company doing rushed jobs, knowing how to spot the red flags can save you thousands of dollars.
Recent Roofing Scams in Melbourne
In recent years, several high-profile incidents have revealed just how these roofing scammers prey on unsuspecting homeowners in Melbourne. They often knock on doors and claim they’ve spotted urgent roof damage from the street. They use fear tactics, warning that if the issue isn’t fixed immediately, it could lead to serious water damage and cost thousands. In many cases, they demand large upfront payments, then either disappear without doing the work or deliver rushed, poor-quality repairs that worsen the problem.
- May 2022: Three men were sentenced for defrauding over $434,000 from elderly Victorians. They approached homeowners in affluent suburbs and charged inflated fees for unnecessary or incomplete roof repairs.
- August 2022: Four individuals were charged after allegedly scamming over $640,000 from Melbourne homeowners. One victim was charged $99,000 for shoddy work that left his roof in worse condition.
Common Red Flags of Roofing Scams
Roofing scammers often appear friendly, professional, and helpful — but their tactics are designed to create panic and push you into quick decisions. Here’s what to look out for:
Unsolicited Offers to Inspect or Repair Your Roof
Scammers commonly show up uninvited, claiming they noticed damage to your roof while working in the area or simply driving by. They’ll often say things like, “Your tiles are loose” or “We saw some serious sagging from the street,” hoping to catch you off guard and create urgency.
High-Pressure Sales Tactics
Phrases like “This deal is only available today” or “If you don’t act now, it could cost you thousands” are red flags. These tactics are designed to stop you from seeking a second opinion or checking their credentials. Reputable businesses will never rush you into making a decision on the spot.
Requests for Upfront Cash Payments
One of the most common scam strategies is demanding large upfront payments — often in cash — before any work begins. In many cases, the scammer disappears entirely, or begins the job and never returns to finish it. Without a proper invoice or paper trail, there’s little chance of recovering your money.
No Formal Contract or Written Quote
Scammers avoid putting anything in writing. If someone is reluctant to provide a written quote, scope of work, or formal agreement, it’s a major warning sign. A legitimate roofer will always document the job details, pricing, and warranty terms.
Lack of Credentials or Traceable Business History
These operators often use generic business names and unbranded vehicles, and they rarely provide valid contact details. A quick online search usually reveals little to no presence — no reviews, no physical address, no licence, and no website. If you can’t verify who they are, don’t engage them.
Beware of Cheap and Nasty Jobs from “Legit” Roofers
Not all roofing risks come from unlicensed scammers. Some registered roofing businesses appear legitimate but consistently deliver poor-quality work. In some cases, the business isn’t even a real roofing company at all. Many “slick-looking websites” are simply lead generation platforms, designed to collect your details and sell them to the lowest bidder, with no accountability for the quality of roofing work that follows.
These include:
- Low-grade materials – Using cheap sealants, incorrect tiles, or low-cost underlay that fail quickly.
- Unqualified subcontractors – Hiring untrained labourers to cut costs, resulting in unsafe or rushed jobs.
- No proper warranty or aftercare – Once the job is done, you’re left on your own with no support if things go wrong.
- Disappearing businesses – Frequently changing trading names or ABNs to avoid liability and negative reviews.
Reminder: Just because a business has an ABN or a shiny website doesn’t mean it’s trustworthy.
How to Avoid Being Ripped Off
Here’s how you can protect yourself:
✅ Check credentials – Verify the roofer’s license with the Victorian Building Authority.
✅ Get multiple quotes – Don’t settle for the cheapest without comparing quality.
✅ Avoid cash-only deals – Always request traceable payment methods and proper invoices.
✅ Do your research – Look for consistent reviews, recent photos, and real project updates.
✅ Report suspicious activity – Contact Consumer Affairs Victoria if you think you’ve been targeted.
If you suspect a roofing scam or have already been approached, call Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 55 81 81 to report it and get advice on what to do next.
How to Spot a Legitimate Roofing Business: Metropolitan Roof Repairs
Here’s what a reputable roofing company looks like, and how Metropolitan Roof Repairs sets the benchmark in Melbourne.
At Metropolitan Roof Repairs, we go to great lengths to deliver the highest standard of workmanship. We don’t just aim to meet expectations — we strive to exceed them, every single time. From the materials we use to the tradespeople we employ, quality is at the core of everything we do.
Our motto is – we do it right, the first time.
Our company evolved from humble beginnings, with three generations of hands-on roofing experience shaping the business. Owner Steve started out as a tradesman, fine-tuning his craft over decades. As a qualified roof tiler and restoration expert, Steve knows every skill associated with roofing — and leads a team that shares the same passion, honesty, and precision on every job.
- Highest Quality Workmanship – We believe we’re industry leaders for a reason. We pride ourselves on getting the job done right the first time, with care, attention to detail, and complete customer satisfaction.
- Fully Licensed and HIA Accredited – We’re proud members of the Housing Industry Association (Licence #1275254) — the industry’s leading body — which means we follow strict standards and recognised industry practices.
- Proven Track Record – With 30+ years of experience and over 150,000 roofing projects completed, we bring unmatched expertise to every roof we touch.
- 10-Year Guarantee and Full Insurance – All our work is backed by a 10-year guarantee and $20 million public liability insurance, so you’re protected from start to finish.
- Specialists in Roof Leaks and Restorations – Whether it’s a roof leak, storm damage, or full roof restoration, we know how to diagnose and fix the real problem — not just the surface issues.
- Real Reviews from Real Clients – With over 250 five-star reviews, we let our customers do the talking. Our Business Profile is regularly updated with project photos, before-and-after results, and honest feedback, so you can see the difference for yourself.
When you choose Metropolitan Roof Repairs, you’re not just hiring a roofer — you’re choosing a team of qualified professionals who take pride in every tile, valley, and ridge. That’s the difference between a job done, and a job done properly.
