Kent Roofing Scam Sees Mocking Pair Jailed for More Than 5 Years

CANTERBURY – Two fraudsters who orchestrated a sophisticated roofing scam targeting elderly residents across Kent have been sentenced to prison at Canterbury Crown Court for a total of over 5 years. Nelson Cooper and Scott Smith were jailed on April 30, 2026, after admitting to a series of fraud offences that conned victims out of tens of thousands of pounds for unnecessary home repairs.

The court heard that between September 20, 2024, and January 10, 2025, the pair targeted properties in Dover, Canterbury, Ramsgate, and Swanley. Operating under Cooper’s company, the duo would initially provide modest quotes for chimney and roof work before rapidly inflating the costs. A Kent Police investigation later confirmed that the repairs recommended by the men were entirely fraudulent.

Jailed: (from left) Nelson Cooper and Scott Smith.

Evidence presented during the proceedings highlighted the predatory nature of the scheme. Cooper, 39, frequently escorted victims to banks and cash machines to ensure payment. In one instance from December 2024, Cooper instructed a victim to lie to bank staff, suggesting the large cash withdrawal was intended for Christmas presents.

Following Cooper’s initial arrest on December 18, 2024, forensic analysis of his mobile devices uncovered voice notes and videos mocking the victims. In the recordings, Cooper was heard singing about “Christmas money” and discussing the profitability of specific neighbourhoods, noting that “ladders are going up left, right and centre” in Dover.

The investigation reached a climax on January 10, 2025, when officers responded to reports of cold callers in Ramsgate. They discovered Smith, 33, working at a property where an elderly resident had already been defrauded of more than £25,000. While Cooper attempted to flee the scene upon the arrival of police, he was apprehended shortly thereafter.

The Judge’s sentencing reflected the severity of the exploitation. Cooper, from Orpington, received a three-year custodial sentence. Smith, also from Orpington, was sentenced to two years and four months in prison.

Investigating officer DC Mark Collins said:

‘Our investigation into Cooper and Smith’s criminal activities was able to show how far reaching they had been and many elderly victims there were, as they destroyed homes with unnecessary work, took life savings and then didn’t look back.

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‘When Cooper was arrested and his phones were seized, it was distressing to see how little respect he had shown people, from filming them unaware, even when they were upset about the costly repairs, to singing and joking about the money he was making from his fraud.

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‘Through determination to uncover the evidence needed, officers were able to bring them before the courts to stop them taking advantage of any more people. Rogue traders like Cooper and Smith are often well practiced in their scams and the advice they provide can often sound very convincing. Anyone can become a victim of such frauds so if you are approached out of the blue about repairs needed, don’t be rushed into agreeing the work. Don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion.’