How do I spot a rogue roofer or doorstep scam?
The short answer
The biggest warning sign is a trader who knocks uninvited and says they have spotted a problem with your roof. Do not agree to anything on the doorstep. Genuine roofers rarely cold call. If you do sign a contract at home, you usually have a 14-day right to cancel. Report suspicious callers to Police Scotland on 101, or 999 if you feel at risk.
Key points
- Never agree to work, or pay, on the doorstep.
- Most contracts made in your home come with a 14-day cancellation period by law.
- Get three written quotes from firms you contacted yourself.
- Never let a trader drive you to the bank or ask for cash up front.
- Report suspicious callers to Police Scotland on 101.
The classic warning signs
- Uninvited. They knock on the door, often saying they were working nearby and noticed loose slates or a damaged chimney.
- Pressure. The price is "today only", or they say the roof could collapse if you wait.
- Cash. They want payment up front, in cash, or offer to drive you to the bank.
- No paperwork. No written quote, no landline, no business address you can check.
- The price grows. Once on the roof, they find "more damage" and the bill climbs.
- Photos you cannot check. They show photos of damage that may not even be your roof.
Your legal right to cancel
The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 apply across the UK. For most contracts agreed in your home with the trader present, you have a 14-day cancellation period. The trader must give you written information about that right. For contracts worth more than £42, failing to do so can be a criminal offence.
If you ask for work to start within the 14 days, you may have to pay for work already done. If the trader never gave you the cancellation information, the period can be extended. Get advice before you pay anything more.
What to do if someone calls
- Keep the door on the chain, or talk through a window.
- Say no thank you and close the door. You do not need to give a reason.
- Do not let them onto the roof or into the house to "have a look".
- Note the van registration and a description if you can do so safely.
- Call Police Scotland on 101, or 999 if you feel threatened or they will not leave.
- Warn neighbours, especially older people living alone.
How to find a genuine roofer
- Ask friends and neighbours who they used, and look at independent reviews.
- Use a vetted scheme or a ranked list. Our Glasgow roofers table checks reviews, vetting and company records for every firm.
- Get three written quotes that describe the work in detail, at a fixed price.
- Ask whether the job needs a scaffold permit. Genuine firms apply for one. See our permit guide.
- Never pay in full before the work is done. A reasonable deposit for materials is normal on bigger jobs.
If you live in a tenement, the roof is usually shared. Read who pays for tenement roof repairs before you agree anything on your own.
Other common doorstep scams
The same tactics are used for driveway resurfacing, gutter cleaning, tree work and so-called energy grants. Anyone saying you qualify for a free boiler or insulation should be checked through Home Energy Scotland. Our boiler grants guide explains the real schemes. Many councils, including Fife, also offer "No cold calling" stickers, and some traders who ignore them commit an offence.
Questions
Is it illegal for a roofer to cold call?
No, cold calling itself is not illegal. Misleading you, pressuring you or failing to give cancellation information can be. Treat every uninvited trader with caution.
What if I have already paid a rogue trader?
Contact your bank straight away to ask about recovering the money, report it to Police Scotland on 101, and get advice from Advice Direct Scotland.
Does the 14-day rule apply if I invited the trader?
Usually yes, if the contract is agreed in your home. It does not usually apply to urgent repairs you asked for, so read the paperwork carefully.
How can I protect an older relative?
Agree that they never deal with doorstep traders, put a "No cold calling" sticker on the door, and give them your number to call for any trader who turns up.
Sources
- legislation.gov.uk: Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 (opens in a new tab)
- Fife Council: doorstep crime and bogus callers (opens in a new tab)
- Home Energy Scotland (opens in a new tab)
This guide is general information about Glasgow and Scotland, checked on 3 November 2026. Prices and rules change, so confirm anything important with the organisation named before you act.
