NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe today issued a warning to consumers and businesses in Mullumbimby particularly and the northern rivers generally not to deal with itinerant traders offering roof repair work.
Mr Stowe said Fair Trading had received reports of a man offering and undertaking roof repair work.
‘These reports appear to relate to an individual previously known to Fair Trading and we are investigating,’ he said.
‘The man has been cold calling consumers, entering into agreements and taking money but the actual work is apparently completed by two males with Irish accents.
‘When consumers contact the man, he states that any problems with the work are not his problem, and deflects all complaints to the two male workers but refuses to supply their details.’
Mr Stowe said travelling conmen continue to defraud consumers throughout Australia but regulators across all jurisdictions are maintaining the fight against this scourge of scammers.
‘People should report any sightings to the national Travelling Conmen hotline on 1300 133 408 or to local police,’ he said.
Travelling conmen do not restrict their business to one form of work. They may offer to do bitumen work, line marking, roof repairs, restoration and painting or other general household trades such as concreting.
They often targeting the frail and the elderly and can become quite intimidating and threatening when challenged.
Fair Trading recommends using local, reliable tradespeople who have a stake in maintaining their reputation.
People offering or carrying out home building work valued at more than $5,000 (labour and materials) on residential properties in NSW must be licensed.
Consumers should ask to see a licence, which is similar to a credit card with details of the trader’s name and licence category and do a licence check at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au or call 13 32 20.