Roofing fraud tops Citizens Advice’s list of reported scams in England and Wales

Citizens Advice says suspected roofing fraud has become its most reported scam, with criminals claiming to spot damage and pressuring people to pay for urgent repairs that may be unnecessary or never carried out. The charity says roofs are difficult for householders to inspect themselves, which can make persuasive claims and unfamiliar building terms harder to challenge.

It received more than 2,200 reports of suspected roofing scams in England and Wales in the year to August, around 10% more than the previous year. More than three-quarters began with a doorstep knock, though some scammers respond to online requests for help. In one case, a 65-year-old woman paid £3,500 after two men claimed to have completed repairs; she found no evidence of work the next day. Citizens Advice advises getting written quotes and references, avoiding pressure to pay immediately, and keeping records if work is disputed.