Scam alert center
What's targeting Florida homeowners right now
Active consumer-protection alerts. Independent, not sponsored, updated regularly.
If a contractor pressures you to sign anything today, walk away.
Active alerts
Posted May 12, 2026
Storm chaser door-to-door roof inspections
Crews flooding a neighborhood within 48 hours of a storm offering 'free' inspections, often climbing the roof and creating damage.
Common tactics
- Unsolicited knock within days of storm
- Out-of-state license plate
- Pressure to sign an Assignment of Benefits on the spot
Red flags
- No local license number
- Won't leave a written estimate
- Requires deposit by Zelle or cash
Posted May 5, 2026
Fake public adjuster impersonation
Individuals claiming to be public adjusters or 'sent by your insurance' to inspect damage, then sell unrelated services.
Common tactics
- Show fake ID badges
- Quote your policy number from public records
- Insist they need access to your attic immediately
Red flags
- Won't show Florida DFS license
- No appointment scheduled by carrier
- Refuse to wait for you to call your insurer
Posted Apr 28, 2026
Contractor asks YOU to pull the permit
Licensed contractors who push the homeowner to pull the permit shift legal liability and almost always indicate unlicensed work.
Common tactics
- 'Saves you money on permit fees'
- 'Faster if you do it'
- 'My license is being renewed'
Red flags
- Any reason a licensed contractor cannot pull a permit themselves
- Discount offered for cash-only
Posted Apr 14, 2026
Assignment of Benefits (AOB) abuse
Contractors who require you to sign an AOB before any work, then bill your insurer for inflated or fabricated scope.
Common tactics
- AOB included inside a standard estimate
- 'Required to start work'
- Refuses to share final invoice with you
Red flags
- Insurer flagged your claim for AOB fraud
- Contractor sues your insurer in your name
Posted Apr 1, 2026
High-pressure financing at the door
Tablet-based financing apps used to lock homeowners into 9–18% loans for repairs that could be insurance-covered.
Common tactics
- 'Today only' discount
- Pre-filled financing application
- Quote pressure within 15 minutes
Red flags
- No itemized estimate
- Won't accept insurance payment
- Salesperson stays past your stated 'no'
Posted Mar 22, 2026
Large deposit, then disappears
Demand for 40–60% upfront after a storm, then weeks of delay and ultimately no work performed.
Common tactics
- Cash, Zelle or Venmo only
- Pressure to pay before materials are on-site
- New LLC formed after the storm
Red flags
- Business registered <90 days ago
- No physical address
- No referenceable past jobs in Florida
Prevention checklist
Verify any contractor at MyFloridaLicense.com before signing
Search the license number directly — don't trust business cards.
Never sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) on first meeting
Refuse any 'today only' pricing — real estimates don't expire in an hour
Pay by check or credit card — never cash, Zelle, or Venmo to a stranger
Get at least two written estimates before any non-emergency work
Confirm the contractor pulls the permit — not you
Reporting suspected fraud