Fake home improvement contractor advance fee scam — roofing/paving/tree crew in your area + pay cash deposit upfront today + cash only + no contract/invoice + contractor disappears

Rogue trader / advance-fee contractor fraud — typically conducted door-to-door but increasingly via email cold-contact targeting neighborhoods following storms or seasonal events. Common variants: (1) "we noticed your roof has storm damage — we're working in the area, pay a $500 cash deposit today"; (2) "we have leftover tarmac/asphalt — can repave your driveway for $400 cash, today only"; (3) "tree removal crew in your area — cash only, no paperwork." After receiving the upfront cash deposit, the contractor either disappears without performing any work, or performs substandard work using poor materials before leaving. Key red flags: cash-only payment, pressure to pay before work begins, no written contract or invoice, "we're only available today," no proof of insurance or trade registration. In the UK, rogue traders are the leading category of consumer fraud reported to Citizens Advice; Trading Standards specifically warns about post-storm roof scammers. In the US, contractor fraud following hurricanes and tornadoes is a documented pattern investigated by state attorney generals. Legitimate contractors: provide written quotes, hold contractor licenses, accept card/check payments, have verifiable reviews, and do not demand full payment before work completion.