Business · Companies · 5 hrs ago
Roofing scams leave homeowners facing costly bills and damaged homes
Homeowners in the UK are being charged thousands of pounds by traders who claim to do roofing work but leave it unfinished, do it badly or say unnecessary repairs are needed.
Citizens Advice received 9,000 complaints about roofing work in the year to August, and 2,205 were suspected scams.
The charity says roofing made up one in 10 of the scams it recorded over the past year, more than any other type.
Some traders use pressure or intimidating doorstep sales tactics, and roofs can be difficult for homeowners to inspect.
One homeowner from the Midlands paid £5,500 for work that left her home and a neighbour’s property damaged.
Citizens Advice advises people to check traders, get agreements in writing and keep photos and receipts if problems arise.
It also says customers may be entitled to a repair or refund when work is not done with reasonable care and skill, while Trading Standards says it will pursue fraudsters through legal routes.
Roofing scams were the most common type of scam reported to Citizens Advice over the past year.
The charity said one in 10 scams it recorded involved roofing, and it received 2,205 complaints suspected to be scams.
Homeowners described paying thousands of pounds for work that was incomplete, badly done or unnecessary.
Some victims also reported intimidation, and homes were left damaged.
Citizens Advice urged consumers to check traders carefully before hiring them.
- Who
- Homeowners and people seeking roofing work have been targeted by rogue traders.
- What
- Scammers charge thousands of pounds for roofing work that is unnecessary, incomplete or poorly done.
- When
- Citizens Advice received 9,000 complaints about roofing work in the year to August; the year is not stated.
- Where
- The reports include cases in the Midlands and north eastern England.
- Why
- Citizens Advice said scammers exploit the fact that roofs are difficult for homeowners to inspect.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Scammers exploit the fact that roofs are out of sight and reach, knowing most people can't easily inspect the work themselves
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
Citizens Advice received 9,000 complaints about roofing work, including 2,205 suspected scams.
Heavy rain caused water to pour down Crystal's wall after a contractor left roofing work incomplete.
- Suspected roofing scams
- 2,205 complaints in the year to August
- All roofing complaints
- 9,000 in the year to August
- Share of scams recorded by Citizens Advice
- One in 10 were related to roofing
- Crystal's payment
- £5,500
- Charlotte's payment
- £3,500
Sources
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