Information reported to Consumer Affairs Victoria revealed more than $2.5million was lost to fake tradies in the 2018-19 financial year and more than $41000 throughout state’s north-east.
With an increase of 15 per cent of reported incidences during the financial year, Consumer Affairs Victoria was contacted by two properties in the area which lost a combined $14000.
The local properties were targeted by a group of fake tradies offering cheap driveway resurfacing services, claiming to have leftover asphalt from a previous job.
Victorian Consumer Affairs Minister Marlene Kairouz said fake tradies often moved quickly through towns.
‘‘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.
‘‘We urge people to report as much information as possible to the authorities to get these dodgy tradies off our streets.’’
Seymour police Senior Sergeant Clayton Munro said it was important for community members to request a written quote and proof of appropriate liability insurance when securing services around the home.
‘‘The quote should include their ABN,’’ he said.
‘‘Always allow some time to verify the quote and the business before committing.’’
Sen Sgt Munro also said ‘‘time is your friend’’.
‘‘Anyone pressuring you on a ‘today only’ deal should be treated with suspicion,’’ he said.
‘‘Just taking your time is enough to ward off people approaching you for the wrong reasons.’’
Consumer Affairs Victoria also warned residents to be suspicious of people who knocked on their door or approached them while in the garden, offering services such as roofing, painting, driveway resurfacing, tree-lopping or general home maintenance as well as flyers that looked legitimate but may contain false addresses or offer services at reduced prices.
Other warning signs included: workers asking for the cash up front or offering to drive the customer to the bank to get money to pay for the job; claims you have received a fine for asbestos in your property; and workers stating they can do a job for you now as another nearby has just been cancelled.
Senior Sergeant Munro said it was important for people who were exposed to fake tradies to record all information.
‘‘If you do encounter suspicious tradies, your information is valuable,’’ he said.
‘‘Record as much information as you can; vehicle registrations, names, descriptions and retain flyers or business cards.’’
He also said it was important to use local businesses.
‘‘If you use a community-based business you will also receive workmanship accountability.’’
Fake tradies can be reported to Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300133408. If they remain in the area, contact the police on 000.
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