Scam Awareness: Tradespeople Scams

In 2025 over £4 billion has been lost by UK homeowners due to cowboy builders and dodgy tradespeople, as 35% fail to carry out basic checks before handing over their money. 

Tradesperson scammers are individuals who appear as legitimate Tradespeople but are not actually qualified. They may pressure customers into making quick decisions, sometimes by offering reduced prices or ‘special discounts.’ If asked they may even be willing to show you their identification (ID) or information about the company. 

What to do when hiring a trader 

• Be careful if someone you didn’t ask for comes to you. 
  Don’t trust people who show up without being invited or contact you on social media out of the blue. 

• Get at least three written quotes. 
  Make sure each quote tells you what they will do and how much the work and materials will cost. If you don’t get a written quote, be careful. 

• Check who they are and if they’re trustworthy. 
  Ask for references and read reviews on websites like Trust a trader.  You can also check if they have the right insurance and certificates, like Gas Safe for gas work. Has anyone you know recently used a trader? Why not ask them for a recommendation. 

• Don’t pay a lot of money upfront or in cash. 
  It’s normal to pay a small deposit, but it shouldn’t be too much. You should know what the money is for. Good tradespeople often let you pay bit by bit as the work gets done. Pay the last bit only when the job is finished and you are happy with the work. Paying by credit card is safer. 

• Trust your feelings and don’t be rushed. 
  A real professional won’t make you decide or sign quickly. If you feel unsure, say no and ask them to leave. For urgent jobs, check carefully and get other opinions. 

How to spot a trader scam 

• They might offer to do small jobs much cheaper than others. But after starting, they say you need urgent, expensive repairs that you don’t really need. 

• They may say they can start right away and give you special discounts if you pay cash now. This is to rush you into making a quick decision. 

• If a price seems too low, it could be a scam. If you get a few quotes, ask yourself why one is much cheaper than the rest. 

• Trustworthy businesses will usually be easy enough to find online. If they have no web presence, and you can’t find them on trusted review sites then it could be a sign to walk away. 

• They might not have proper ID or company details, or they may not want to show you their ID when you ask. 

If you think you have been scammed, you can speak to your bank or Citizens Advice.