Issue Date:  -  Thursday, 10 February 2000

Unscrupulous painters target seniors

Prompt action by the Painters’ Registration Board (PRB) and the Belmont Police has netted one of four unregistered itinerant painters who have allegedly been door knocking at older people’s homes and asking for up to $7,000 to undertake painting work.

Richard Hall of the PRB was advised of seniors who have accepted these offers and have had very substandard jobs done, including watered down paint being used and paint spilt on furniture and windows. One pensioner allegedly paid many thousands of dollars for a job that could take that much again to remedy. The painter was not registered with the Board.

Commissioner for Fair Trading Patrick Walker said it was an alert to the public and in particular older people, of the dangers in giving work to unregistered painters, as it was often difficult to recover the money.

Mr. Walker said one vehicle involved on this occasion was a red utility with Victorian number plates and the three suspects are known only as Mark, George and Henry.

“Consumers should always ask for proof of the painter’s registration and never pay any money up front” Mr. Walker said.

Any suspicious activities can be reported to the Painters’ Registration Board by telephoning (08) 9476 1212, the Ministry of Fair Trading on 1300 30 40 54 (local call charge anywhere in WA) or their local Police station.

Media contact
Mike Winchester
(08) 9282 0961
0409 118 982