How to Spot & Avoid Spray Foam Removal Scams
Protect yourself from fraudulent contractors
The Growing Problem
As spray foam problems become widely known, scam artists are targeting desperate homeowners with fake removal services, taking deposits and disappearing—or worse, doing work that lenders reject.
Don't become a victim. Learn the warning signs.
Red Flag #1: Pressure to Sign Immediately
The Scam
"I can start tomorrow, but only if you sign and pay the deposit today. This special price expires at midnight."
Why they do this: They want your money before you have time to verify credentials, check references, or compare quotes.
How to Protect Yourself
- ✓ Never sign contracts under pressure
- ✓ Take at least 48 hours to review any quote
- ✓ Get multiple quotes (3-5) before deciding
- ✓ Legitimate companies don't use high-pressure tactics
- ✓ "Today only" deals are almost always scams
Red Flag #2: Large Upfront Deposits (50%+)
The Scam
Requesting 50%, 75%, or even 100% payment upfront "to secure materials and book the crew."
What happens: They take your money and vanish. Or they do substandard work knowing you can't withhold payment.
How to Protect Yourself
- ✓ Never pay more than 25% upfront
- ✓ Standard payment: 25% to start, 50% mid-project, 25% on completion
- ✓ Only pay final amount after certification received
- ✓ Use payment methods with buyer protection (credit card, not cash/bank transfer)
- ✓ Get written payment schedule in contract
Red Flag #3: No Physical Business Address
The Scam
Only provides a mobile phone number, no website, no business address, uses Gmail/Hotmail email.
Why it matters: Legitimate businesses have traceable physical locations. Scammers operate from anonymous mobile numbers.
How to Protect Yourself
- ✓ Verify business registered with Companies House (search free online)
- ✓ Check they have a proper business address (not PO box)
- ✓ Visit their website and check domain age (scam sites are brand new)
- ✓ Professional email domain (@companyname.co.uk, not @gmail.com)
- ✓ Google the business address to ensure it's real
Red Flag #4: Can't Provide Insurance Certificates
The Scam
"We're fully insured" but won't or can't provide certificate copies. Excuses: "It's being renewed," "I'll email it later," "You don't need to see that."
The danger: If they damage your property or someone gets injured, YOU'RE personally liable for all costs.
How to Protect Yourself
- ✓ Request insurance certificates BEFORE signing anything
- ✓ Verify: Public liability £5M minimum, Professional indemnity, Employers' liability
- ✓ Call the insurance company to confirm policy is active
- ✓ Check certificate expiry date (must cover entire project)
- ✓ If they can't provide certificates immediately, walk away
Red Flag #5: Fake or Paid Reviews
The Scam
Dozens of 5-star reviews, all recent, generic language ("Great service!"), no specific details about the work.
What they're hiding: These are purchased fake reviews. Real customers don't exist.
How to Protect Yourself
- ✓ Check reviews across multiple platforms (Google, Trustpilot, Checkatrade)
- ✓ Look for detailed reviews mentioning specific work done
- ✓ Be suspicious of all-5-star ratings (real businesses have some 4-stars)
- ✓ Check review dates (all posted same week = fake)
- ✓ Ask for phone numbers of recent clients you can call directly
Red Flag #6: Suspiciously Low Prices
The Scam
Quotes 40-50% below market rate. "We can do your whole house for £2,000!"
The reality: Either they'll take your deposit and vanish, or they'll use prohibited mechanical methods that lenders reject.
How to Protect Yourself
- ✓ Know the market rates for your property size (see our cost guide)
- ✓ If quote is 30%+ below average, investigate thoroughly
- ✓ Ask why their price is so much lower than competitors
- ✓ Verify exactly what's included (many scams hide costs)
- ✓ Remember: professional manual removal is labor-intensive and CAN'T be dirt cheap
Red Flag #7: Vague About Methods or Certification
The Scam
Won't specify removal methods. Says "we use the best techniques" or "don't worry, we've done hundreds."
What they're hiding: They plan to use prohibited mechanical methods or have no proper certification process.
How to Protect Yourself
- ✓ Demand explicit confirmation: "Manual hand tools only, correct?"
- ✓ Ask who will provide certification and verify their credentials
- ✓ Request example certificates from past projects
- ✓ Get removal method in writing in contract
- ✓ Any vagueness or evasiveness = walk away
Red Flag #8: Cash-Only Payments
The Scam
Insists on cash payments, offers discount for cash, or says "we can avoid VAT if you pay cash."
Major problems: No paper trail, tax evasion (illegal), no buyer protection, often indicates unlicensed operation.
How to Protect Yourself
- ✓ Never pay cash for removal services
- ✓ Use traceable payment methods: credit card, bank transfer, check
- ✓ Credit cards offer Section 75 protection for purchases £100-£30,000
- ✓ Keep all payment receipts and invoices
- ✓ Cash-only requests are huge red flags
If You're Already a Victim
If you've been scammed by a spray foam removal contractor:
- 1. Stop all payments immediately
- 2. Report to Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040 or actionfraud.police.uk
- 3. Report to Trading Standards: via Citizens Advice 0808 223 1133
- 4. Contact your bank/card provider: Request chargeback if paid by card
- 5. Document everything: Contracts, messages, photos, payment records
- 6. Leave online reviews: Warn others on Google, Trustpilot, Checkatrade
The Safe Way: Use Vetted Professionals
Our network pre-screens all contractors for:
- ✓Verified business registration
- ✓Current insurance certificates
- ✓Manual removal methods only
- ✓Proper certification process
- ✓Real client references
- ✓Transparent pricing
- ✓Written contracts
- ✓No pressure tactics
Get Quotes from Verified, Legitimate Specialists
100% scam-free, pre-screened professionals only
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