PCSO Emil Gabriele points out problems with the roof
Cornwall Council is urging residents to stay vigilant following a spate of complaints about overpriced and often unnecessary roofing works.
Jane, which is not her real name, is among many victims that have been pressurised into having work done on their homes.
After initially agreeing to £1,300 worth of work, she ended up paying £25,000 and needs to pay an additional £15,000 to put the roof right.
The 75-year-old, who wanted to share her story to warn others but asked that we don’t show her face, said she has struggled to sleep following her ordeal.
“They were talking in my face and were very loud and very pressurising,” she said.
“I don’t know what happened,” she added. “I should have said ‘no, just go away’.”
Cornwall Council’s Trading Standards team have been investigating out-of-county roofing companies targeting residents across the Duchy.
The companies promote their services on websites and flyers which are sent out by post.
Once at the property, they will often claim to have found serious problems with the roof and give over-priced quotes for repairs.
Although at first the firms appear to be local, they are part of a larger network of businesses that sub-contract work among themselves. Often customers do not know who they should be dealing with and struggle to get answers to their questions and complaints.
Since the start of 2025, Cornwall’s Trading Standards team have received 50 complaints regarding poor quality or overpriced roofing works.
Gary Webster, Group Lead at Cornwall Council’s Trading Standards team, said: “Some of these companies use multiple trading names and can be really difficult to trace.
“They appear to be local firms but when people agree to have work done it soon becomes apparent that they’re part of a wider network and the customers don’t know who they’re dealing with.
“We are investigating a number of different company names and urge anyone who has had a similar experience to report it via the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline.”
Councillor Thalia Marrington, cabinet member responsible for Community Safety and Public Health at Cornwall Council, said: "Groups like these often target some of our must vulnerable residents. They can be very manipulative so we need to stay vigilant and look out for others, especially older people and people who live alone.
“We will not allow our residents to be treated like this and will do our best to help victims recover their money, and, where possible, seek justice for them.
“I urge homeowners to follow the advice given by Trading Standards and to not feel pressured into having work done.”
If you are considering roofing repairs, Trading Standards has the following advice.
• Never agree to work as a result of a cold call or direct approach. If you need work doing, make sure you do your own research into local traders.
• Recommendations from friends and family of reliable, local tradespeople can be really helpful but also do your own research before choosing one.
• Consider using a business that is part of a legitimate trader approval scheme, such as the Trading Standards approved Buy With Confidence scheme.
• Where possible, get multiple quotes, but be aware that the cheapest quote does not always mean the best. Before any work is agreed, ensure that there is a written agreement that sets out exactly what will be done and the total price.
• Not all trader approval schemes or online platforms do robust checks, and this can be exploited by the rogues. Make sure you understand how these schemes approve the businesses they promote and what protections exist if things go wrong.
• Don’t be pressured into agreeing work too quickly. Unless it is an emergency, the law requires that the trader gives you a minimum of 14 days to allow you to change your mind. Genuine businesses will normally be busy and will not need to get the work started immediately.
• Particularly with roofing issues that are difficult to inspect yourself, always be sceptical when the trader claims to have found more serious problems. This is especially true where you weren’t aware of a serious leak or damage beforehand. Don’t agree to further work without a second opinion or seeking further quotes.
• Don’t be fooled by websites, local addresses, glossy brochures, limited companies or sign-written vehicles – these are easy to acquire by fraudulent businesses.
• If at any point you become concerned, contact Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 for advice. If necessary, they will refer the matter to Trading Standards.
Press release issued on July 24, 2025