Homeowners Targeted by Roofing Scammers, Citizens Advice Reports

Scammers impersonating legitimate roofers are defrauding homeowners across the United Kingdom out of thousands of pounds, according to a report by Citizens Advice.

The consumer watchdog found that one in 10 scams it recorded over the past year were related to roofing, making it the most prevalent type of fraudulent activity reported to them. These scams involve charging for work that is either not completed, done poorly, or entirely unnecessary.

One victim, a 68-year-old woman from the Midlands identified as Crystal, reported paying £5,500 for roofing work that ultimately led to further damage. She described feeling pressured into agreeing to the repairs, only for the original contractor to send his son, who left work in the eaves incomplete. Following a rainstorm, the repairs failed, causing a "waterfall" to come down the wall. The issue also affected her neighbor's property, causing bricks to fall into his attic and water damage.

Citizens Advice received approximately 9,000 complaints regarding roofing work between August 2022 and August 2023. Of these, 2,205 cases, or about 25%, were suspected scams, an increase from the previous year's figure of 2,098.

Dame Clare Moriarty, chief executive of Citizens Advice, advised consumers to conduct thorough checks on tradespeople before hiring them. "Scammers exploit the fact that roofs are out of sight and reach, knowing most people can't easily inspect the work themselves," she stated.

Victims frequently reported aggressive and intimidating tactics, with three-quarters of fraudsters employing "doorstep" sales methods. Another case highlighted involved Charlotte, a 65-year-old woman from northeastern England. Initially quoted £250 for a gutter repair, the tradesmen she found online later claimed additional work was needed, escalating the cost. Feeling pressured and alone in her home after dark, she paid a total of £3,500. The following day, she found no visible evidence of the work being completed.

Citizens Advice recommends several precautions to avoid falling victim to such scams:

• Be alert: Always ask for references and ensure all agreements are documented in writing. Be suspicious of unsolicited callers.
• Gather evidence: If a trader causes problems, document everything with photos, receipts, and paperwork.
• Know your rights: Traders are legally required to provide written information about cancellation rights. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, consumers are entitled to have faulty work fixed or receive a refund if it's not performed with reasonable care and skill.

Lord Bichard, chair of National Trading Standards, condemned these acts as criminal behavior targeting vulnerable individuals. He described roofing fraud as "particularly cruel" and affirmed that Trading Standards would pursue legal action against perpetrators. "Victims can lose life savings in a matter of hours and be left with damaged homes, financial hardship and a profound sense of vulnerability long after the criminals have gone," he said.