Roofing scams top Citizens Advice's list of consumer complaints
Citizens Advice reports roofing scams as the top consumer complaint in the last year.
In Brief
- •Citizens Advice reports roofing scams as the top consumer complaint in the last year.
- •Over 2,200 complaints of suspected roofing scams were received by Citizens Advice in England and Wales.
- •Scammers often pose as roofers, offering to fix minor issues and demanding immediate payment.
- •Victims report being pressured into paying large sums for work that was not done.
- •Citizens Advice advises checking references and getting written confirmation before hiring a roofer.
Why It Matters
Roofing scams pose a significant threat to consumers, particularly the elderly and those unfamiliar with roofing terminology. These scams can result in financial loss and a sense of vulnerability for victims. By understanding the tactics used by scammers and knowing how to verify the legitimacy of a roofer, consumers can better protect themselves from falling victim to these frauds.
Key Details
- Number of complaints
- 2,200
- Percentage increase in complaints
- 10%
- Typical payment method
- Bank transfer
- Typical payment amount
- £3,500
Context & Background
Roofing scams have been a growing issue in recent years, with fraudsters exploiting the lack of visibility of roofs to target potential victims. These scams often involve cold calling or knocking on doors to offer unsolicited services.
Original Reporting & Sources
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