North Carolina Sting Catches Roofer Damaging Roof for $30K Insurance Claim

Allegations of roofing contractors intentionally damaging property to trigger insurance claims have long frustrated insurers and adjusters. In a proactive move, the North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI), in collaboration with North Carolina Farm Bureau, launched a targeted sting operation this fall that resulted in a fraud charge against a roofing contractor.

The operation involved setting up a bait house in Wake County and inviting roofers to inspect the property, while surveillance equipment and investigators documented their actions. One roofer, Robert Allen Bentley, was allegedly caught bending and damaging shingles to simulate wind and hail impact. Bentley, a senior project manager for A&M Premier Roofing and Construction, later filed a $30,000 insurance claim citing storm damage, according to state officials.

The case underscores the role of special investigations units (SIUs) and the increasing use of forensic engineering and surveillance to detect fraud. For adjusters, it’s a reminder of how staged damage can appear deceptively authentic and why accurate damage assessment and red flag recognition remain essential skills in fieldwork.

Authorities emphasize that such schemes ultimately raise costs for policyholders through higher premiums. The partnership between a major insurer and the DOI may signal a broader shift toward more aggressive fraud detection methods targeting high-risk contractor practices.

A&M Premier Roofing and Construction, which touts itself as Raleigh’s top roofer, has not commented on the allegations. The outcome of the case could further influence how adjusters approach contractor interactions and assess storm-related property claims.