By JONATHON HOWARD
FIRST it was the Microsoft phone scam, followed by a countless number of money transfer scams, now Warwick Police have issued a warning to Southern Downs’ residents not to fall victim to unregistered tradespeople.
The warning comes after a Warwick resident was recently ripped off by a pair of dodgy house painters.
The resident reported the painters, one believed to be aged in his fifties and another in his twenties, who offered to paint the man’s roof for about $1000.
But after the work was completed the paint began to peel off and the dodgy paint job was revealed.
Police investigations are continuing into the matter but it was believed the men were unregistered tradespersons prying on unsuspecting residents.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll said homeowners should refuse to do business with these dodgy traders and report any incidents immediately.
“Like the Bitumen Bandits, these travelling conmen are not registered and are breaking door-to-door trading laws by not respecting the 10-day cooling off period for unsolicited sales,” Ms Driscoll said.
“Not being registered could mean they are not qualified and are often operating under unregistered business names and using false names as well. These itinerant traders often over-charge for jobs and their work is usually sub-standard,” she said.
“They are in one area one minute and gone the next, so it is very difficult to track them down if consumers are not happy with their work.”
Building Commissioner Peter Gow advised home owners to only deal with registered people for painting work quoted over $1000 or building work over $20,000 in value.
“Asking to see details of a contractor’s licence and independently verifying it before agreeing to any major building or painting work on your property is the vital first step towards protecting yourself from dodgy dealers,” Mr Gow said.
“This should ensure your contractor measures up in terms of having the necessary qualifications, knowledge, experience and insurance to carry out work that meets the minimum building standards and complies with building regulations.”
To report an incident, call the national travelling conmen hotline on 1300 133 408. Information such as vehicle registration numbers, descriptions of the itinerant traders and names or business details given are very useful.
Consumers can also check if a builder or painter is registered on the Building Homes Laws Standard website www.qld.gov.au/housing/building-home/laws-standards/
