TL;DR: On 17 September 2026, National Trading Standards announced that 12 defendants at Teesside Crown Court had been jailed for a combined 63 years 3 months. The 22-person network took about £1 million from 43 proven victims between May 2021 and August 2024, across Northumberland, County Durham, Teesside, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.
What happened
National Trading Standards reports that cold-callers offered minor jobs such as gutter clearing or replacing roof tiles, then claimed urgent, extensive repairs were needed. Prices escalated to thousands or tens of thousands of pounds.
One woman in her late 70s paid £94,700 for a roof replacement that a surveyor later valued at £3,107. One launderer operated 14 bank accounts through which £381,152 linked to the conspiracy was identified. Lord Bichard, National Trading Standards chair, urged people not to feel pressured into agreeing to work or making an immediate payment.
Red flags
- An unexpected call or knock offering a small job.
- A sudden claim that urgent repairs are needed.
- Rising quotes and pressure to pay immediately.
- No written quote or fixed business address.
How to protect yourself
Never agree to work or pay on the doorstep or over the phone. Get independent quotes and take time, especially when told repairs are urgent. Tell a relative before paying a large sum. Our guides on elder fraud statistics for 2026, how to protect elderly parents from phone scams and how to recover wire scam money cover the family and money side.
How the network operated
The case shows a wider structure than a few rogue callers. The 22-person network included cold-callers, and a launderer who ran 14 bank accounts. A second elderly woman in the case paid £133,400 for work valued at £3,350. National Trading Standards said the offenders deliberately targeted people who were isolated, unwell or grieving, which is why neighbours and relatives matter. A short conversation about doorstep callers, and a firm rule of never paying on the spot, protects people who may feel unable to say no. Reporting matters because cases like this only come to court when victims and their families come forward. If you are concerned about an older neighbour or relative, encourage them to contact the Citizens Advice consumer service before agreeing to any work.
Where to report
Contact the Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133. If you have paid, tell your bank and report to Report Fraud (Action Fraud).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many were jailed and for how long?
Twelve defendants received a combined 63 years 3 months at Teesside Crown Court.
How much did the gang take?
About £1 million from 43 proven victims between May 2021 and August 2024.
What was the biggest overcharge described?
A woman in her late 70s paid £94,700 for a roof replacement later valued by a surveyor at £3,107.
Where do I report a rogue trader?
The Citizens Advice consumer service on 0808 223 1133.
Sources
- National Trading Standards: 63 years jail time for criminal gang behind £1m roofing fraud (Sep 17, 2026)
- Citizens Advice consumer service
- Report Fraud (Action Fraud)
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