Insulation scammers target elderly residents in Herefordshire
Fraudsters charge up to ÂŁ5,000 for unnecessary works
Elderly residents in Herefordshire are targeted by spray foam loft insulation scams currently active in the county.
Trading Standards warns residents that fraudsters are trying to sell unnecessary solutions at inflated prices.
Repeat scams are also being attempted on those who have previously had the insulation installed.
These homeowners are falsely being told the spray foam has caused dangerously high moisture levels in their lofts.
These include ventilation systems for ÂŁ4,500, which is five times what they are worth.
Scam companies have also sold 'roof coatings' to residents on the basis they are needed on properties that have spray foam insulation.
This service involves jet-washing roof tiles before spraying them with a waterproof coating - an unnecessary process that fraudsters sell for up to ÂŁ5,000.
Trading Standards service manager David Hough said: "Spray foam loft insulation is simply not necessary and at best all homeowners require is a top-up of their existing ceiling level insulation. The scammers also use lists of properties that have already had spray foam insulation fitted.
Mr Hough explained that scammers send a comission-only salesman to residents' homes, often pretending to be a qualified surveyor.
Then the salesman pressures homeowners to sign a contract for unnecessary, expensive work.
“We urge local residents to avoid becoming a victim of these scams by simply not engaging with any cold callers, whether on the telephone or at the door,” he added.
Anyone who is concerned about cold calls is urged to contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 2231133 or visit the scam advice pages for more information.