By Cameron Tait
Consumer Affairs Victoria has urged residents to be wary of travelling conmen following reports of two men offering bitumen repairs in the Little River area.
In both cases, residents were approached by the men saying a job down the road had been cancelled and suggesting they could do work at a cheap price.
After becoming suspicious, residents refused to hand over money.
Wyndham police crime prevention officer Craig McDonald encouraged people to be vigilant about common rip-offs, such as cheap roof repair deals.
Leading Senior Constable McDonald said residents were typically approached by two men who claimed to have noticed damage to their roof while doing repairs on a neighbouring house.
“They will then make up a quote and barter with the home owner for a cash deal to fix it,” he said.
“They may even get on the roof and actually remove tiles, looking like they are doing some work, but then once they have the cash they will leave and never come back, leaving a gaping hole.”
Consumer Affairs Victoria director Claire Noone said travelling conmen usually demanded cash up front for jobs such as asphalting, roofing work, painting and gardening, then disappeared leaving poor- quality or incomplete work.
“They prey on unsuspecting and trusting people, often ripping off older Victorians, people with a disability, residents who speak little or no English and full-time mums or carers,” Dr Noone said.
“In some cases, they appear to be using letter-drop companies to deliver professional- looking flyers, which may even carry the logos of industry organisations. Say ‘no’ to uninvited and high-pressure offers.”
Report suspicious activity to the National Travelling Conmen Hotline on 1300 133 408 or visit www.consumer.vic.gov.au.
