Dodgy Doreen contractor Michael Arrow falsely claimed to be registered builder

An unregistered builder from Doreen fleeced tens of thousands of dollars from unsuspecting customers and demanded excessive deposits for his work. Now he has to pay $51,000 in fines, but will his victims get their money back?

Michael Arrow of Doreen was penalised at a hearing in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court for entering into building contracts, despite not being a registered builder. Picture: Stefan Postles

A Doreen man who entered into building contracts costing more than $20,000 despite not being a registered builder has been penalised.

Michael Arrow must pay $51,200 for lying to clients and demanding excessive deposits for building jobs.

Melbourne Magistrates’ Court heard the 49-year-old also accepted payments for jobs despite not supplying all the work within a reasonable time.

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In one job, Mr Arrow quoted $109,000 for building works, and accepted a deposit of $27,250, well above the five per cent deposit allowed for works costing more than $20,000 under domestic building contract laws, the court heard.

Mr Arrow took a deposit of more than $13,000 for another job quoted at $43,375, the court also heard.

The disgraced contractor was ordered not to describe himself as a registered builder or enter into any contracts of works costing more than $10,000, until he is registered.

Mr Arrow was also advised not to demand or accept deposits of more than 10 per cent, if he performs work with a contract price of $10,000 or less.

He must also keep copies of receipts, customer order and contracts, and attach a notice as the front page on his domestic building contracts advising he is not registered.

A total of $46,200 of Mr Arrow’s penalties will go to the Victorian Consumer Law Fund.

Consumer Affairs did not disclose where the additional $5000 will go.

Consumer Affairs could also not confirm whether Mr Arrow’s clients got their money back.

Leader could not contact Mr Arrow for comment.

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