An 89-year-old North Shore grandmother is the latest victim of rogue roof painters who are targeting vulnerable residents, the NSW Fair Trading Minister, Linda Burney, said today when she warned home owners to be wary of tradespeople who front up on their doorsteps. 

The elderly lady was tricked into paying almost $25,000 for maintenance and repair work, including roof repairs, to her home in the last year. The work carried out was shoddy and has been left unfinished.

Ms Burney expressed outrage at the audacity of these scammers and urged all residents, especially the elderly, to show caution when uninvited tradespeople knock on their door and offer to carry out repair work to their home. 

“This is a tragic example of how elderly residents are targeted because they are easily bullied and intimidated and, in the case of roof painting or roof repairs, they can’t climb up the roof to inspect the work,” Ms Burney said. 

Ms Burney reminded the public that a five-day ‘cooling off’ period exists for any door-to-door sale of goods or services over $100, including repair work to your home. 

“This means you are not required to pay the tradesperson any money in that time and you also have a right to change your mind and not go through with the work,” Ms Burney said. 

“The trader cannot receive any payment from you during the cooling-off period and if they do could be fined up to $11,000.  No-one should feel pressured into paying them – it is illegal. 

“Fair Trading intelligence suggests that many of these rogue traders base themselves in caravan parks or short term accommodation across the state, not too far from the suburbs they target. 

“They are often itinerant and very effectively share information with one another about whom they’ve ripped off because those people make an easy target for them or their mates to strike again.”

Ms Burney said the message is clear to anyone approached by a door-knocking tradesperson – do not feel pressured or intimidated to make a decision on the spot. 

“If you’re unsure, say no first and give yourself time to think about it.   

“It is always worthwhile seeking the views of your relatives, friends or neighbours about the offer before making a decision. 

“It is also a good idea to shop around and get a couple of quotes before you make a decision to employ the services of a particular tradesperson.”

Ms Burney encouraged consumers looking for a tradesperson to deal with a local trader or one who advertises in the phonebook.

“When a trader is prepared to advertise their services in a phone directory, there’s a good chance they are there for the long haul.

“This story highlights the need to always check a builder’s or tradesperson’s licence before entering into any contract or agreement to make sure it authorises the contractor to do the work that you want done.

“Fair Trading can advise you if the licence is valid for the work they are proposing. Call them on 13 32 20 or check on this website.

“With so many experienced local tradespeople in the area, there is no reason to even consider fly-by-night operators like these.”

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