Beware of scammers offering ‘toxic mould’ solutions to homeowners

Published: 30 January 2023

Trading Standards have warned homeowners in Devon to be cautious of scammers claiming to be mould experts.

The Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service has received multiple reports of fraudulent activities, including fake mould surveys and high-pressure sales tactics.

The scams are taking advantage of the public’s concerns about toxic mould following the death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in his family’s flat in Rochdale in 2020.

In some cases, the scammers do not return to perform the work or provide poor-quality work that can worsen the mold problem and damage the homeowner’s property.

A young couple in Exeter fell victim to such a scam, which promised to solve their damp and mould problems using spray-foam.

The couple were quoted more than £5,000 and felt pressured to sign the contract on the spot, but the work performed only made the mould problems worse. The couple finally got the mould removed and their money back with the help of the Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service.

Scammers are also trying to arrange mould surveys through text messages and phone calls. In one instance, a retired teacher was nearly scammed out of £7,000 by cold callers who claimed to have found toxic mould in her attic.

Fakir Osman, Head of the Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service, said: “Scammers are trying to make money out of people’s legitimate concerns following the tragic death of a toddler and that’s despicable. 

“They are exploiting elderly residents, parents, and anybody they think they can trick into handing over money under false pretences.

“Don’t engage with anyone at the door, and never invite a cold caller into your home and never respond to offers of home repair work you receive via text or phone – in most cases these are sent by scammers seeking to steal money or personal details.”

For more information contact the Heart of the South West Trading Standards Service.