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Travelling Con Men

Did You Know?

Crime Stoppers Australia in conjunction with Consumer Affairs is today issuing a reminder to be careful of travelling con men who pose as tradespeople.
 
This is an annual initiative aimed at generating awareness of the dangers of accepting door-to-door offers of cheap labour or services. Despite 2012-13 being the fourth consecutive year of the collaborative campaign, Victorians are still being scammed by itinerant traders, often losing thousands of dollars for shoddy home repairs or work that is paid for in advance and never carried out.
 

How You Can Be Affected

Con men usually try to undertake “today-only” work for cash payments. One common trick has been to knock on the door of a home owner and tell them that they have some asphalt left over from a nearby job and offer to seal their driveway for cash up front. They may disappear as soon as they have received the cash. Alternatively, they may offer to do some painting, tree lopping or other home repairs and stress the fact that they are available on that day to do the job for you.

How You Can Help – Report Suspicious People

Telltale signs include asking for cash up front and offering deals for ‘today only’. To avoid falling victim to con men, always ask for identification and check that the trader is registered on the Australian Government’s www.business.gov.au website before making a decision.
 
Any suspicious tradespeople can be reported to the national Travelling Con Men hotline on 1300 133 408. 

For scam advice or dob in a scam - consumers can visit http://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/resources-and-education/scams 

If you know of someone who is operating a scam such as this (or any other scam) call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or follow the link to Report Crime Online at the top of this page.

If you see something, say something – 1800 333 000

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