The Warranty Scam – Fake Guarantees That Mean Nothing

How the Scam Works

You’re told the work is “fully guaranteed.”
No paperwork, no policy — just a verbal promise or a logo printed on the quote.

Then the roof leaks, the damp returns, or the boiler fails…
and suddenly that “10-year guarantee” can’t be found anywhere.

You call the builder — number disconnected.
You contact the “warranty provider” — they’ve never heard of your job.

You’ve been hit by The Warranty Scam.

The Red Flags

🚩 No official warranty certificate or policy document
🚩 Guarantee is in the builder’s name, not yours
🚩 Vague terms like “covered for workmanship” without details
🚩 No registration with a recognised provider (NHBC, IWA, TrustMark, etc.)
🚩 Builder vanishes or rebrands after completing the job

If there’s no written proof, there’s no protection.

What a Real Warranty Looks Like

✅ Insurance-backed — issued by a third-party provider, not the builder
✅ Registered in your name — you can claim directly, even if the builder closes
✅ Clear start and end dates — usually 5–10 years
✅ Specific coverage — materials, workmanship, and structure clearly defined

Ask to see an example before you sign — and don’t accept “we’ll send it later.”

How to Protect Yourself

✅ Always demand a written, insurance-backed warranty
✅ Check the provider’s website to confirm registration
✅ Keep copies of every certificate and guarantee in your name
✅ Don’t make the final payment until you have the documents
✅ Use verified trades through Check A Builder — where compliance and cover are checked

Bottom Line

A real warranty protects you.
A fake one protects them.

If it’s not written, registered, and backed by an insurer — it’s hot air.
Don’t get caught by empty promises that disappear the moment the builder does.