Flood scammers out and about warns NSW Fair Trading

People are being warned of opportunistic tradespeople trying to take advantage during the flood recovery process.

Members of the Corindi-Woolgoolga State Emergency Service Unit put their hand up to help their Grafton colleagues during the recent floods in Grafton. The team was tasked to evacuate a family from a property near Lawrence. The location of the house was some 500 m from the river in cane growing fields.

People are being warned of opportunistic tradespeople trying to take advantage during the flood recovery process.

The region has been hit with several flooding events in recent months including a huge deluge in Corindi that was likened to a tsunami. in late February.

Now Commissioner for NSW Fair Trading Rose Webb has warned of scammers trying to take advantage of vulnerable people.

“With the destructive floods across NSW, consumers are reminded that anyone who undertakes work to rebuild or repair damaged homes is required to have a valid licence,” Ms Webb said.

Avoid workers who simply show up without contact to offer their services and consumers should also check with their insurance provider before authorising any home repairs.

Members of the Corindi-Woolgoolga State Emergency Service Unit put their hand up to help their Grafton colleagues during the recent floods.

Consumers should avoid cash transactions if possible as credit card payments are a better option as chargebacks from banks may be available.

“Lastly, it’s also a good idea to ask family and friends for a recommendation rather than choosing a trader from an advertisement.”

Previous instances brought to the attention of NSW Fair Trading has shown that unlicensed tradespeople may target affected communities offering house repairs, concreting, paving, structural landscaping, and roof repairs among other services. These services require a licence if the work is valued at over $5000.

Fair Trading offers an online tool on its website where consumers can verify licence details and check whether a contractor or tradesperson is qualified to do the job.

Consumers are urged to do these checks before approving traders to commence work. The register is available at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au

When choosing a tradesperson or contractor, NSW Fair Trading advises consumers:

• Get two or more written quotes for the job

• Do not hand over money before meeting your tradesperson

• Ask the trader for references and examples of past work

• Avoid payments without a written contract

• Avoid traders who charge significant deposits

Anyone who has had problems in their dealings with tradespeople or contractors can lodge a complaint online.