Bogus tradesmen, travelling conmen target Mornington Peninsula homeowners, police warn
A LANDSCAPER faces multiple deception charges after allegedly stinging Mornington Peninsula homeowners big bucks for work never done, which has spurred a police warning to be wary of fake tradesmen.
South East
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A LANDSCAPER faces multiple deception charges after allegedly stinging Mornington Peninsula homeowners big bucks for work never done, which has spurred a police warning to be wary of fake tradesmen.
Mornington Peninsula detectives say they believe the 37-year-old Balnarring man ripped off homeowners in Mt Eliza, Crib Point and Balnarring in a series of gardening-related scams last year.
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It is alleged he would turn up and dig a hole or two before taking payment.
He would then make excuses and not return or do any more work.
It is believed the homeowners have been conned out of tens of thousands of dollars over the past year.
The man is expected to face court in November.
Police are also warning Peninsula and Frankston homeowners to be wary of travelling tradesmen who promise to do work and request large deposits.
The itinerant conmen have been known to prey on people, especially the elderly, before fleecing them of their cash. As well as gardening, they target homeowners for roof, painting, carpet cleaning, driveway and general maintenance work.
They knock on doors of homes and small businesses and often pressure people, offering special rates and asking for cash before starting.
They then disappear as soon as they are paid, or do work of a very poor and unfinished standard.
Details: consumer.vic.gov.au/resources-and-tools/scams/travelling-con-men
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