The British Institute of Fitted Interiors Specialists (BIFIS) has sounded the alarm over a worrying increase in the fraudulent use of artificial intelligence within the home improvement industry. Tradespeople are reportedly employing readily available advanced AI technologies to alter health and safety certification and insurance policies, posing significant risks to consumers, brands and undermining the integrity of the sector.
BIFIS issues a strong warning to main contractors and retailers who operate sub-contracted installation models: The surge in AI-altered documentation presents a direct risk to your business, your clients, and the industry’s reputation as a whole. Delegating installations must not mean delegating responsibility. Robust vetting and ongoing monitoring of all subcontractors remain essential, albeit the challenge of verifying credentials becomes more complex and less reliable on face-value.
BIFIS warns that any failure to implement rigorous checks may result in fraudulent operatives operating within supply chains, invalid insurance coverage, and potential legal liability. BIFIS urges all principal contractors and retailers to review their compliance frameworks immediately and to work closely with the institute to strengthen oversight and verification of all certification and insurance credentials across their networks.
BIFIS CEO Damian Walters commented: “We are operating in fast-moving technological times and whilst AI will not pose a threat to jobs on the frontline, as perhaps it will in other areas of the industry, the everyday availability of AI can significantly increase risk to people and brands, if unaddressed.”
Damian went on to say: “Whilst brands may have a rich history of managing sub-contracted risk via time-tested compliance checks, businesses must recognise these fast-changing times by meaningfully addressing the risk posed by emerging technology. Simply validating documentation on face value is no longer enough and businesses must urgently review their internal processes to safeguard their brand, people and the customers they serve.”
According to recent data, BIFIS has witnessed a significant rise in the number of AI-altered documents processed in the past year alone. This includes falsified health and safety certificates and insurance documents submitted as part of registration applications. The organisation warns that such malpractice not only endangers public safety but also damages trust in legitimate tradespeople, and the brands they may represent.
This week BIFIS intercepted the latest application from a Devon based business who had used AI to alter health and safety certification. His registration was rejected and he has been placed on an indefinite barred list which will prevent future registration. His application was made on behalf of a BIFIS Retail Partner.
In response to this growing threat, BIFIS has introduced a zero-tolerance strategy towards fraudulently made applications for registration. Any tradesperson found to be submitting AI or otherwise altered documentation will face immediate expulsion from the register, reporting to authorities, which could lead to criminal prosecution under the Fraud Act (2006).
BIFIS urges consumers to remain cautious and to verify the credentials of tradespeople before engaging their services. The institute is committed to upholding the highest standards of professional practice and will continue to develop its safeguards to ensure the integrity of the home improvement industry.
For more information about partnering with BIFIS, visit www.bifis.org or call the team on 01375 213 199.
