Common Quote Scams in the UK (And How to Spot Them)
Learn the most common quote scams in the UK and how to spot them. Avoid pressure tactics, hidden extras, and deposit scams with this simple checklist.
Most people don’t get scammed because they’re careless — they get scammed because they’re busy, stressed, or trying to solve a problem quickly. Scam tactics are designed to feel “normal” until it’s too late. The best protection is knowing the patterns before you request quotes or hire anyone. This guide explains the most common quote scams in the UK, how they work, the warning signs to watch for, and what to do if you think something isn’t right.
First: What Counts as a “Quote Scam”?
A quote scam is any situation where the pricing or agreement is used to mislead you, pressure you, or extract money unfairly — often by hiding key terms, changing the price later, or doing work you didn’t approve.
Not every dispute is a scam. But if you see manipulation, pressure, or intentional vagueness, treat it seriously.
1) The “Too Cheap to Be True” Quote
You receive a quote that is dramatically lower than everyone else — and it feels like a bargain.
How it works:
The provider underquotes to win the job fast
Once work begins, they “discover” extras
The final bill becomes much higher than expected
Warning signs:
One-line quote with no detail
No clear scope or exclusions
Vague language like “extras may apply”
Pressure to book immediately
What to do:
Ask for a written breakdown, confirm what’s included/excluded, and compare against other quotes. If the quote stays vague, avoid it.
2) The “Deposit Disappears” Scam
A provider requests a deposit for “materials” or “booking” — then stops responding.
How it works:
Deposit requested before any solid paperwork
No invoice, no written scope, no clear timeline
The provider disappears after payment
Warning signs:
Large deposit demanded immediately
Refusal to provide written terms or invoice
Only accepts cash or unusual payment methods
No clear identity or contact details
What to do:
Only pay deposits when you have:
a written scope
written payment terms
an invoice/receipt
confirmation of start date
And avoid paying large sums upfront without clear justification.
3) The “Verbal Quote Trap”
You receive a price over the phone or in person, then the final bill is very different.
How it works:
You agree verbally
Scope is never confirmed
Later the provider claims the job was “bigger than expected” or that extras were assumed
Warning signs:
“No need to write it down”
No message/email confirmation
Price changes without clear explanation
What to do:
Always ask for written confirmation of:
scope
total price (and VAT clarity)
what could increase the cost
payment terms
Written confirmation prevents most disputes.
4) The “Urgency Pressure” Scam
You’re told you must decide immediately or you’ll lose the deal.
How it works:
The provider creates urgency so you skip checks
The quote lacks details
You book quickly and regret it later
Warning signs:
“This price is only valid today”
“I’ve got someone else ready to book”
“Pay now to secure your slot”
What to do:
Step back. A reliable professional will give you time to decide, especially for anything beyond a small emergency.
5) The “Hidden Extras” Quote
A quote looks affordable, but important costs appear later.
Common “extras” used in scams (or poor practice):
VAT added later without warning
disposal and clean-up fees
call-out or diagnostic charges
travel/parking fees
materials not included
out-of-hours rates
If you want a quick way to check what’s missing, our guide on unexpected extra charges shows the exact line items to confirm before you agree.
What to do:
Ask one powerful question: “What’s not included?”
Then confirm VAT, disposal, call-out, materials, and timing charges in writing.
6) The “Scope Creep” Manipulation
Work begins, and you’re repeatedly told “this also needs doing,” creating a rising bill.
How it works:
Small extras are added one by one
You feel pressured because the job is already underway
Final cost ends up far above the quote
Warning signs:
No clear scope in writing
Extra work done without approval
No updated quote before continuing
What to do:
Insist on a simple process: pause, explain, price, approve, proceed. If someone refuses, it’s a serious warning sign.
7) The “Cash-Only Discount” Pressure
You’re offered a “special price” if you pay in cash.
Important: Paying cash isn’t automatically a scam — but it becomes risky if it’s used to avoid paperwork or accountability.
Warning signs:
No invoice/receipt offered
Refusal to write down scope and price
Pressure to pay quickly
“No need to put it in writing”
What to do:
If you pay cash, always get written confirmation and a receipt. If they refuse paperwork, walk away.
8) Fake Reviews and “Borrowed” Reputation
Some scammers use fake reviews or photos that aren’t theirs.
Warning signs:
Reviews that sound generic and repeated
Sudden flood of perfect reviews in a short time
No detail about the job type or outcome
Images that look like stock photos
What to do:
Look for reviews that mention:
specific work done
timelines
communication
how problems were handled
If in doubt, ask for examples of recent similar work.
If anything feels off, it helps to follow a simple process for how to verify a tradesperson before you pay a deposit or agree a start date.
What to Do If You Think You’re Being Scammed
If something feels wrong, act early:
Pause the job if possible
Ask for written clarification and a breakdown
Don’t pay additional money until terms are clear
Keep records (messages, invoices, photos)
If payment was made, contact your payment provider quickly
Even if it’s not a scam, written clarity protects you in any dispute.
The Best Prevention: A Simple Anti-Scam Checklist
Before hiring anyone, confirm:
✔ A written quote with clear scope and exclusions
✔ VAT clarity and any extra fees listed
✔ A sensible deposit policy (not full upfront)
✔ A clear process for approving changes
✔ Verifiable reviews and evidence of work
✔ Basic identity/contact details you can trust
A lot of scams become much easier to spot once you understand the most common quote-comparison mistakes people make in the first place.
Final Thoughts
Most quote scams rely on the same things: pressure, vagueness, and rushed decisions. If you slow the process down slightly, get key details in writing, and compare quotes properly, you massively reduce your risk.
The safest approach is to request multiple quotes, compare scope and terms, and choose the provider who communicates clearly and agrees everything in writing.
FAQ — Common Quote Scams in the UK
1) What is the most common quote scam?
A very low quote used to win the job, followed by add-on costs once work starts. It often begins with vague scope and no written detail.
2) Are deposits always a scam?
No. Deposits can be normal for materials or larger jobs, but they should be reasonable and backed by a written quote, clear terms, and an invoice/receipt.
3) How can I avoid hidden extras in quotes?
Ask what’s excluded, confirm VAT, and request that common extras (disposal, call-out, travel/parking, out-of-hours rates) are listed in writing.
4) Is a verbal quote safe?
It’s risky. Verbal quotes often lead to misunderstandings and price disputes. Written confirmation is far safer and easier to compare.
5) What should I do if a contractor raises the price mid-job?
Ask for a written breakdown and revised scope, and only approve extra work if you agree. A professional should pause and confirm changes before continuing.
6) Are cash-only discounts a red flag?
They can be. Cash payments are riskier if the provider avoids invoices, written scope, or receipts. If they refuse paperwork, walk away.
7) How can I tell if reviews are fake?
Fake reviews are often generic, repetitive, and lack job details. Look for reviews that mention specific work, timelines, and communication.
8) What should I do if I think I’ve been scammed?
Stop further payments, gather written records, request clarification, and contact your payment provider quickly if money has already been sent.
Related Articles
