BIFIS issues warning on increasing use of AI for fraudulent certification

​​​​​​​The trade body cautions that any failure to implement rigorous checks may result in fraudulent operatives operating within supply chains

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 using readily available advanced AI technologies to alter health and safety certification and insurance policies, posing significant risks to consumers and 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, though verifying credentials is becoming 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.

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 that 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 him from registering in the future. His application was made on behalf of a BIFIS Retail Partner. 

In response to this growing threat, BIFIS has introduced a zero-tolerance policy towards fraudulent registration applications.

Any tradesperson found to be submitting AI-generated or otherwise altered documentation will face immediate expulsion from the register and 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.