Consumer Affairs Victoria is calling on people to exercise caution before hiring someone to complete building or maintenance work, following an increase in reports of fake tradies.
Leading the call, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Melissa Horne said Consumer Affairs had received more than 129 reports of fake tradies during the past financial year with consumers losing money in 70 per cent of cases, amounting to more than $660,000 in total.
“Be wary of tradies who approach you at home or online and pressure you to accept their offer or pay cash upfront – a legitimate tradie will give you a quote and time to consider their offer,” Ms Horne said.
“If an interaction with a tradie doesn’t feel right – it’s probably not,” she said.
“I urge Victorians to report any interactions with suspected fake tradies to the authorities so we can get these dodgy scammers off the streets and avoid more people being cruelly ripped off.”
Ms Horne said fake tradies knocked on doors of homes and small businesses or sent flyers out offering to complete maintenance work, driveway resurfacing, painting or roof repairs at a cheap rate.
The Minister said fake tradies were also known to advertise their services online, usually through third-party websites.
“If you’re considering having work done on your property, seek out more than one quote, use established tradespeople who provide written quotes, ask for contact details of previous clients to check references and ask for the full name and registration or licence details (if applicable) so you can check with their industry,” Ms Horne said.
