Scammers posing as legitimate workmen are reportedly charging homeowners thousands of pounds for roofing work that is either incomplete, poorly executed, or unnecessary, according to Citizens Advice. The consumer advice charity states that roofing-related fraud accounted for one in 10 of all scams recorded over the past year, making it the most frequently reported type.
Victims have been left significantly out of pocket. One individual, Crystal from the Midlands, paid £5,500 for a roof repair that left her home with dislodged bricks and blocked gutters, leading to water damage. Her neighbour's property was also damaged when lead was removed from their chimney, causing bricks to fall and rain to enter their house.
In the year to August, the Citizens Advice Consumer Service received 9,000 complaints concerning roofing work, including issues with construction, repairs, and weatherproofing. Of these, 2,205 complaints, approximately one in four, were suspected scams, an increase from 2,098 the previous year.
Dame Clare Moriarty, chief executive of Citizens Advice, highlighted that scammers exploit the fact that roofs are often out of sight, making it difficult for homeowners to inspect the work. Victims have also reported aggressive and intimidating behaviour, with three quarters of fraudsters reportedly employing "doorstep" sales tactics.
Lord Bichard, chair of National Trading Standards, described roofing fraud as "particularly cruel," noting that victims can lose life savings and be left with damaged homes and financial hardship. Trading Standards plans to pursue fraudsters through legal channels.