Charlotte, NC– Allegations that some roofers intentionally damage roofs to qualify properties for insurance claims have long troubled insurers and regulators. This fall, North Carolina authorities took a proactive step to address the issue, resulting in an insurance fraud charge following a covert sting operation in Wake County.
The North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI), working in partnership with North Carolina Farm Bureau, set up what officials described as a “bait house” and invited roofing companies to inspect the property. Investigators recorded the contractors’ actions during the inspections, according to a statement released by the Department of Insurance last week.
The operation led to charges against Robert Allen Bentley, 36, of Charlotte, a senior project manager with A&M Premier Roofing and Construction. Bentley was charged on December 10 with insurance fraud after investigators allegedly observed him and a co-worker deliberately damaging and bending shingles on the test property’s roof.
According to state officials, the roofing company later claimed the damage was caused by wind and hail and attempted to secure approximately $30,000 in an insurance claim with North Carolina Farm Bureau.
“Roofing scams are serious crimes, and I want to thank Farm Bureau for partnering with the Department’s special agents in this two-month investigation,” said North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey in a statement. “Roof scammers should be on alert that our special agents as well as insurance companies are active in efforts to make a dent in this crime, which costs insurance companies and homeowners’ insurance premium payers alike.”
North Carolina Farm Bureau President Shawn Harding echoed those concerns, noting the broader impact of fraud on homeowners across the state.
“That’s why we partnered with Commissioner Causey and the Department of Insurance in this successful sting operation,” Harding said in a news release. “We’re pleased that the individuals charged are being held accountable, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Commissioner and the Department to prevent and deter fraud in the roofing industry.”
The Department of Insurance said the investigation relied on a combination of advanced surveillance techniques, an engineering expert, and traditional investigative methods to build the case.
A&M Premier Roofing and Construction is a veteran-owned limited liability company with offices in Raleigh and three other North Carolina cities, according to records from the North Carolina Secretary of State and the company’s website. The firm has previously promoted industry recognition, noting on its website and LinkedIn page that it was named Raleigh’s best roofing company by a local newspaper in 2023.
Representatives for A&M Premier Roofing and Construction could not be immediately reached for comment regarding the allegations.
