Citizens Advice has flagged roofing scams as its most common fraud, with criminals posing as builders to extract thousands of pounds from homeowners for work never completed or performed.
The scam typically begins with an unsolicited door call. The fraudster claims to be working nearby and identifies a loose roof tile or similar minor problem, offering a cheap repair. Once on the ladder, they manufacture additional damage claims. They tell the homeowner that rain splashing from gutters has rotted the wood around them and insist that rigid PVC trays must be installed to divert water.
The homeowner agrees to a price. Citizens Advice reports cases in which people paid £3,500 upfront only to receive no work whatsoever.
The scam exploits several psychological triggers. The initial problem appears genuine and affordable. The urgency of secondary damage claims ("it will get worse") pressures quick decisions. Payment is demanded before work begins, leaving the victim without recourse once the builder vanishes.
Citizens Advice named this as its number one reported scam, indicating both its prevalence and its impact on consumers. The warning reflects a sharp rise in targeting of homeowners through doorstep approaches.
Householders are advised to obtain multiple quotations from registered tradespeople, check credentials independently and never pay the full amount in advance. Legitimate builders typically inspect damage thoroughly before quoting and provide detailed written estimates breaking down costs.