The Rogue Trader Epidemic: A Systemic Problem in Need of a Real Solution The recent case of Lee Slocombe, a rogue builder who defrauded nine victims out of £400,000 and left one homeowner's home in disrepair, has sparked renewed calls for greater protections against "cowboy builders.
" While the UK government's proposed database of trusted traders is a step in the right direction, it may be too little, too late for many homeowners who have already fallen victim to these unscrupulous operators.
The scale of the problem is staggering. According to the Competition and Markets Authority, customers lost over £10 billion in 2024 due to losses, overpriced costs, or unfair practices by traders.