Citizens Advice has identified a door-to-door roofing con as its most commonly reported scam, warning that an increasing number of householders are being approached by people posing as tradesmen and left out of pocket.
In the typical account described by the charity, a so-called builder calls at a home saying they are working nearby and have noticed a loose tile. The occupier agrees to a modest repair, but when the man climbs a ladder he claims to have found further damage — in some cases alleging rot around gutters caused by rain — and recommends costly remedial work such as the installation of rigid PVC trays to divert water.
Victims have been billed thousands of pounds, with some reports citing sums around £3,500, yet subsequently discovering that no proper repairs were carried out. Citizens Advice says the pattern of an initial friendly approach followed by sudden escalation to expensive, unnecessary work is a hallmark of the fraud.
The charity is urging homeowners to be cautious when approached at the door by tradespeople and to check the credentials of anyone offering unprompted repairs. It said the scam is increasingly common and that people should be alert to unsolicited offers of immediate work, particularly when large sums are requested.
Local authorities and consumer protection groups have previously advised getting written estimates, seeking independent inspections and checking reviews or trade association membership before hiring contractors — steps that Citizens Advice says can help reduce the risk of falling victim to such scams.