An urgent public safety warning has been issued across South London following a disturbing series of spray foam insulation scams that have already cost local residents thousands of pounds. Bromley Council has been forced to intervene in multiple cases after uncovering a pattern of fraudulent activity targeting homeowners with high-pressure tactics and unnecessary work.
Victims Lose Substantial Sums in Elaborate Frauds
The council's investigation reveals that scammers are operating with increasing boldness, turning up unannounced at properties and pressuring residents into agreeing to costly and often harmful insulation work. In one particularly distressing case from last July, a resident was conned out of £9,000 in a spray foam removal scam that offered no genuine service.
Council officers had to step in at the eleventh hour to prevent another homeowner from losing more than £20,000 after fraudsters attempted an elaborate upsell from basic foam removal to major roof works that were completely unnecessary. A third family narrowly avoided losing £7,000 after making a substantial deposit for what was described as insulation removal and solar panel protection – intervention from the council ensured they received their money back.
Common Scam Tactics Exposed
Bromley Council has identified two primary methods being used by these fraudsters to exploit South London residents. The first involves cold calls offering free surveys or loft insulation inspections, followed by aggressive sales techniques pushing for installation at massively inflated prices.
The second approach sees scammers contacting homeowners claiming their existing insulation is dangerous and requires immediate removal – a tactic specifically designed to create fear and panic to secure quick payments. Some criminals are even using solar panel servicing as a pretext to gain access to properties before attempting to upsell unnecessary work.
Serious Consequences for Victims
These fraudulent practices frequently result in poor quality installations, completely unnecessary removal work, or in some cases, serious property damage that requires expensive repairs. The financial impact on victims can be devastating, with losses running into thousands of pounds that are often difficult to recover.
Essential Protection Advice for Residents
To protect themselves from becoming victims, residents are being advised to take immediate action if approached by these fraudsters. The council strongly recommends hanging up immediately if receiving any cold calls about insulation or home improvements, and firmly declining any offers from unexpected visitors at your door.
Additionally, people should inform a trusted friend or family member if any appointment follows a cold call or uninvited visit, particularly if the caller asks you to keep the arrangement private. This simple precaution can provide crucial protection against isolation tactics used by scammers.
Bromley Council continues to investigate these cases and urges anyone who believes they may have been targeted to come forward immediately. The warning serves as a stark reminder that vigilance is essential when dealing with unsolicited home improvement offers in South London.
