Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the free consumeradvice.scot service, has seen a surge in complaints from homeowners about offers to tackle botched and mis-sold spray foam insulation.

The charity has received calls from across the country reporting companies suggesting they are working with Trading Standards in an attempt to appear legitimate.

Experts are concerned that the same rogue traders who originally misled consumers by selling them spray foam may now be sharing customers’ personal information – or even rebranding themselves so they can swindle the same people again.

An 86-year-old man from Glasgow and elderly couples from Dundee and Stenhousemuir were alarmed after receiving apparently identical letters and, in some cases, phone calls.

Between them, they had already paid nearly £13,000 for work before receiving the latest suspicious correspondence, prompting them or their family members to seek advice.

Trading Standards Scotland (TSS) made it clear that it is not working with any spray foam removal companies.

Advice Direct Scotland stressed the importance of thoroughly researching companies before agreeing to any work and encouraged homeowners to find vetted traders.

Earlier this year, TSS warned about spray foam scams after a 42% rise in incidents in 2023, costing Scottish homeowners £500,000.

Cold callers often promise a free loft survey, then claim to detect damp or mould and suggest spray foam installation as the solution. However, this product can cause issues in timber-framed roofs. If installed incorrectly, it reduces air circulation, leading to damp and rot.

Removal is also difficult and costly, averaging £3,200 for a three-bedroom detached house. Some mortgage lenders refuse loans or equity release until the spray foam is removed due to potential property damage.

A letter sent to homeowners refers to Trading Standards and recent media reports about spray foam mis-selling, and it implies the company has worked alongside “regulatory authorities”.

It states: “Our recent investigations have concluded your property may have had spray foam installed. Evidence suggests that properties with this type of insulation may be at risk of increased damp penetration to the roof structure, this may pose a significant threat to property integrity and potential issues with mortgageability and insurability.

“To address this issue and ensure your property’s safety and insurability, we propose a thorough assessment.”

It adds: “We urge prompt access to your property for this vital assessment.”

Advice Direct Scotland has issued key tips for homeowners, including:

• Check if the company has a proper trading address, a landline phone number, and is listed on the National Insulation Association website.
• Get quotes for the work and the price before agreeing to anything.
• Never pay upfront under any circumstances.
• Avoid paying in cash if you can.
• Always ask for a receipt.
• If the work is not up to standard, do not pay until all issues are fixed.
• Make sure any guarantees are backed by insurance.

Scots have also been encouraged to seek reputable traders, with vetted options available at www.approvedtrader.scot.

Hazel Knowles, senior project lead for Advice Direct Scotland, said: “We have received numerous complaints from individuals contacted by traders regarding spray foam loft insulations, claiming to represent Trading Standards and offering removal services.

“By using the Trading Standards name and implying links to authorities, these firms are trying to take advantage of consumers.

“As awareness of the potential problems with spray foam grows and homeowners face difficulties in selling their properties, it is understandable that people are eager to find solutions, especially if grants or financial support are offered.

“We are concerned about potential links between those offering removal services and the rogue traders who initially installed the foam spray insulation.

“We urge consumers not to deal with cold callers or engage with such letters.

“Instead, seek traders vetted by Trading Standards who have made a commitment to fair treatment through approved trader schemes.

“While we have not heard of anyone losing more money, those who have not sought advice may still be at risk from rogue traders.”

Fiona Richardson, chief officer of Trading Standards Scotland, said: “Trading Standards services are not currently working with any spray foam removal companies in Scotland. Any communication suggesting otherwise is likely to be a scam.

“Consumers who feel they have been misled into having spray foam insulation installed should avoid responding to letters or cold callers offering to remove the insulation.

“We advise consumers in this situation to report any unsolicited letters which mention a partnership with Trading Standards to Advice Direct Scotland.”