Issue Date:  -  Wednesday, 8 March 2006

Unregistered and unskilled tradesman strike

Newspapers that contain classified sections are being used by dodgy, unregistered ‘handymen’ who are running ads and taking money for work they are not entitled or qualified to do.

Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said “We are very concerned about the number of ads being detected that give only Christian names and mobile telephone numbers when advertising a variety of trade services.”

“So-called ‘handymen’ are running ads in publications such as the Quokka, the Sunday Times, Community Newspapers and the West Australian, seeking customers for work they are often not licensed to do, nor entitled to undertake, due to not having complied with laws designed to protect consumers,” he said.

“These advertisements are often in breach of the Business Names Act by listing or advertising themselves by a Christian name only. This does not afford consumers their right to properly identify whom they are dealing with. Consumers should ask themselves if they really want to be doing business with a person who is being so secretive”, the Commissioner said.

Consumer Protection is warning that when seeking a tradesperson, consumers should take a few basic precautions to guard against getting ripped off:

• Shop around - check three or four different trades people and get written quotes;
• Make sure they have the required licence or qualification to do the job;
• Ask for references or contacts from previous customers; and
• Check them out with Consumer Protection on 1300 30 40 54 if in doubt.

“Apart from the physical risks of using unskilled people, consumers also make themselves vulnerable should these individuals rip them off.  Without properly identifying who they are or advertising under a registered business name, and only listing a mobile phone number as a contact point, it is very difficult to obtain redress for dodgy work,” Mr. Walker said.

Consumer Protection is investigating suspicious advertisements that are appearing in newspapers and working with management at numerous publications to track down the offenders.