Trading Standards alert: Stay vigilant against spray foam scams

Spray foam insulation scams often involve unsolicited phone calls, which have not been requested by the resident, with misleading claims about the insulation. This can then even lead to uninvited visits that are designed to pressure residents into unnecessary, costly, and sometimes harmful work.

Some of the reports handled by Bromley's Trading Standards team include:

• Case 1: An attempted upsell from spray foam removal to major roof works, exceeding £20,000. Trading Standards intervened before any payment was made.
• Case 2: £9,000 paid for spray foam removal (work completed in July; reported in November).
• Case 3: A £7,000 deposit for spray foam removal and alleged solar panel protection was returned when the family cancelled, with the help of Trading Standards.
• Case 4: £8,500 charged for spray foam removal and installation of new rock wool insulation.

There are two common approaches to spray foam insulation scams:

• Cold calls offering a "survey" or "inspection" of loft insulation, followed by high pressure sales tactics encouraging installation of spray foam insulation at inflated prices.
• Cold calls claiming that a resident's existing spray foam insulation is dangerous, unsellable, or needs immediate removal; but this is designed to create fear and secure payment.

Some fraudsters also use solar panel servicing as a way to gain access to the property before attempting to upsell work. These practices often result in poor quality installations, unnecessary removal work, or serious property damage.

Protect yourself:

• Hang up immediately if you receive any unsolicited call about insulation or home improvements.
• If someone arrives unexpectedly, or for an appointment you felt pressured into, decline and do not engage.
• Tell someone you trust about any cold call or uninvited visit before any appointment takes place, especially if asked to keep it private.
• Remember: for any agreed home‑improvement work, residents must be given a 14‑day cooling‑off period, including written cancellation rights.
• If considering insulation, research the topic thoroughly and obtain several quotes from trusted installers.
• Consult reputable, independent guidance before making decisions.

Further information on spray foam insulation:

• The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) provides a comprehensive consumer guide on spray foam insulation on their website.
• The Which? website has an article on spray foam insulation, with information ranging from the different types of spray foam and how much they cost, to the drawbacks and whether spray foam insulation is right for your home.
• The Energy Saving Trust website has a guide on loft insulation which includes links to find an approved installer.
• The Energy Saving Trust website also provides a breakdown of spray foam insulation and addresses common queries.

Trading Standards and the Energy Saving Trust recommend asking installers:

• How much experience do you have with loft insulation?
• Can you provide references or examples of previous work?
• What guarantees or warranties do you offer?
• Will ventilation needs be assessed?
• Will you manage any building regulations or certifications?

Be cautious of installers who:

• Pressure you to make a quick decision.
• Offer unusually low quotes with no explanation.
• Refuse to provide references or certification.
• Fail to provide written contracts or breakdowns of costs.

Report and information

Protect yourself and others by reporting incidents.

If you believe you or someone you know is at immediate risk of losing money to a scam or doorstep criminal, contact the police directly at 999.

Contact Citizens Advice for help and advice on 0808 223 1133 or on the Citizens Advice website.

Visit the Report Fraud website or call 0300 123 2040 to report fraud.

You can also visit the council’s Trading Standards webpage for advice on having home improvements done.

For general information about scams in various languages, visit the Friends Against Scams website.

Bromley Trading Standards

Sign up to the latest scam alerts and warnings from Bromley Trading Standards.

Bromley Trading Standards also runs a fair-trader directory to help you find a safe, reliable trader that you can trust, visit www.bromley.gov.uk/tradingstandardschecked to learn more.