Scam tradies net $3 million from duping homeowners
Reports of conmen tradies who ask for upfront payment and leave the job unfinished have soared from 149 in 2016 to 342 in the past financial year with many scams starting through pamphlet drops to unsuspecting homeowners.
VIC News
Don't miss out on the headlines from VIC News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Fake tradies have fleeced Victorians of almost $3 million as the amount of money lost to scammers in the state tripled over 12 months.
The Sunday Herald Sun can reveal reports of conmen tradies have soared from 149 in 2016 to 342 in the past financial year.
Many of the scams start through pamphlet drops to unsuspecting homeowners.
The shonks then ask for payment upfront before coming back, demanding more money to finish the job and leaving the job poorly done or unfinished.
Roofing scams made up nearly half of the cases.
The illegal schemes are raking in increasingly large amounts of money, up from $1 million in 2017-18, as they target older Victorians, people with a disability and those who are not fluent in English.
Consumer Affairs Minister Marlene Kairouz said the fake tradies moved quickly from town to town.
“Once they scam enough locals in one area, they often change business names, falsify their identities and continue their horrible practices in another town,” she said.
“It’s devastating to see how much money these conmen are fleecing from innocent victims.
“I encourage everyone to do their due diligence when hiring tradespeople.”
MORE NEWS
CAULFIELD CUP FASHIONS ON THE FIELD
WILD DRIVERS FLEEING COPS A RISK TO PUBLIC
HOW NEALE DANIHER STILL COUNTS HIS BLESSINGS
Ms Kairouz said the next few months would be peak time for scammers.
“Victorians need to be wary and report any suspicious behaviour to get these dodgy tradies off the streets,” Ms Kairouz said.
To avoid scammers, Victorians are urged to use established tradespeople who provide business costs and be cautious of tradespeople seeking upfront payments.
Fake tradies are breaking the law if they refuse to leave a property when requested.
Anyone who suspects they have dealt with the conmen should call Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 137 164.