Roofing Scams in Melbourne: How to Spot the Dodgy Operators and Protect Yourself

The roofing industry in Melbourne is flooded with two extremes — cowboy operators who promise the world but deliver substandard work, and large corporate players who charge inflated prices and treat customers like just another number.

At True Value Roofing, we have seen too many Melbourne homeowners caught in the middle: either left out of pocket from a roofing scam or paying far more than they should for roof restoration services.

Here are the most common roof restoration scams, how they work, and how you can protect yourself.

1. The “Lamp Post Sign” Special – $1800–$2800 Deals

These are the classic too-good-to-be-true offers. You’ll see signs stapled to lamp posts or fences advertising a “full roof restoration” for $1800–$2800.

The problem? A proper roof restoration involves multiple steps — high-pressure cleaning, rebedding, repointing, sealing, and coating with quality roofing membrane etc. That process takes time, materials, and skilled tradesmen. These “cheap deals” usually mean corners are cut or the job is just a quick coat of watered-down paint that peels within months.

Red Flags:

• Lamp post or roadside signs with a mobile number only.

• Unrealistic flat pricing ($1800–$2800).

• “Restorations” that only involve paint, with no bedding/repointing.

• Watered-down paint to stretch material costs.

• They don’t replace broken tiles, often just silicone them or applying flexipoint to the breaks

• Wont send out a proper quote, just a txt with a price

How to Protect Yourself:

• Be cautious of too-good-to-be-true pricing.

• Ask for a step-by-step breakdown of what the restoration includes.

• Compare against reputable quotes — genuine restorations are an investment, not a $2k quick job.

• Remember warranty is only good as the people doing the work – if they disappear after getting paid, the warranty means nothing.

2. Travelling “Irish” Scammers – Flyers & Door Knocks

These groups regularly hit Melbourne suburbs, leaving flyers or knocking on doors. They offer “cheap roof repairs” on the spot. “I was doing a job in the street and saw you roof needed work excuse” Many homeowners have reported that they demand cash upfront, start the job, then ask for more money once they’ve “found more issues.” Often, they vanish after partial work, leaving roofs worse than before. This group travels from city to city ripping people off, often the elderly. 

Red Flags:

• Flyers with no ABN or business address.

• Unsolicited door knockers offering “cheap roof repairs today.”

• Demands for large cash payments upfront.

• Requests for more money after starting.

• A listed address that’s just a CBD apartment or shared office in the cbd

• No valid ABN or a cancelled ABN.

• Can start the job immediately ( Any decent roofer is booked out at least a month in advance)

How to Protect Yourself:

• Never agree to roofing work from unsolicited door knockers.

• Check if they have a valid ABN using ABN Lookup. (Actually check)

• Only proceed with fixed written quotes.

• Avoid companies without a traceable address or online presence.

• Call and check if the HIA/ Master builder if they are registered with them

• Get 3 quotes from reputable companies to see if what they say is true

3. Fake Google Reviews

Scammers are getting smarter online. They create slick websites and flood Google with glowing 5-star reviews. But dig deeper and you’ll see patterns: reviewers with generic names, no profile photo, or leaving reviews for businesses in multiple countries. These are purchased reviews designed to trick customers.

Red Flags:

• Dozens of 5-star reviews posted in a short timeframe.

• Reviewers with no photo or generic names.

• Reviewers leaving feedback in multiple countries or industries.

• Repetitive, vague wording (“Great service, highly recommend!”).

How to Protect Yourself:

• Click on reviewer profiles to see if they look genuine and local.

• Look for detailed reviews with photos or context.

• Ask the roofer for recent customers you can call directly.

• Cross-check reviews on Facebook, Product Review, and word of mouth.

• Ask for physical address of jobs they have done recently (If your gut says scam go and knock on the door of that house)

4. The “Jack of All Trades” Handyman

Some handymen claim to do everything — painting, landscaping, fencing, concreting, and roofing. The problem is roofing is a specialised trade, and if someone dabbles in “a bit of everything,” they’re likely cutting corners.

Many don’t have valid ABNs, operate from CBD apartments or shared workspaces, and lack proper insurance or WorkSafe certification. Some even show “insurance certificates” that look valid but haven’t been paid beyond the first month.

Red Flags:

• Advertises roofing alongside painting, landscaping, tiling, etc.

• No clear roofing website or branding.

• No ABN, or ABN that’s been cancelled.

• Insurance certificates that look valid but aren’t current.

• No WorkSafe certification.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Ask if roofing is their primary trade.

• Verify their ABN on ABN Lookup.

• Call the insurer to confirm the policy is active and covers roofing.

• Ask to see recent roofing projects, not just general handyman work.

5. The “Too Good To Be True” Pitch

This is the high-pressure sales tactic:

• Offering cash-only prices.

• Claiming they can start tomorrow (while good roofers are booked weeks in advance).

• Flashing HIA/Master Builders logos without real membership.

• Pushing for large deposits upfront.

These tactics are designed to make you commit before you think.

Red Flags:

• Immediate availability (legit roofers have waiting lists).

• Fake association logos on websites – call and check if they are a active member

• “Today only” pressure tactics.

• Requests for large deposits.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Be cautious if they’re available the next day.

• Call HIA or Master Builders to verify memberships.

• Inspect a recent roof they’ve completed.

• Never pay large deposits — reputable companies take little or none upfront.

• Don’t fall for the pressure, stick to your gun

6. Insurance & Certificates Trick

Some operators wave around a liability insurance certificate to look legitimate. But here’s the trick — you can pay for just one month of insurance and still get a certificate that shows an “end date” 12 months later. If they cancel after the first month, the cover is gone even though the certificate looks valid.

Red Flags:

• Liability certificates with 12-month dates but no proof of active payments.

• No WorkSafe certification.

• Evasive answers when you ask for verification.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Call the insurer directly to check if the policy is active and paid.

• Confirm the insurance specifically covers roofing work.

• Request and verify WorkSafe certification.

✅ Why True Value Roofing is Different

At True Value Roofing, we’ve built our reputation on integrity and results. Here’s why homeowners trust us:

• Up to 30% more affordable than big corporate roofers.

• No sales reps or commissions — honest quotes only.

• Dulux-Registered Applicators with a 10-year workmanship guarantee.

• Fully insured & WorkSafe compliant.

• Proud to be a 2025 Business Excellence Award Finalist.

• Dozens of real, happy customers across Melbourne you can talk to.

Final Word

Roof restoration scams are getting harder to spot — anyone can spin up a website and buy fake reviews. But if you know the red flags and how to protect yourself, you can avoid being ripped off.

If you want a roof restored properly — by professionals who care about workmanship, integrity, and fair pricing — speak to True Value Roofing today.

👉 Book Your Free Inspection Now or call 0440 132 148