Fair Trading Minister, Virginia Judge, today warned Eurobodalla and Bega residents to watch out for opportunists trying to cash in on this week’s storm and flood damage.

Ms Judge said unlicensed traders often target storm affected areas hoping to catch desperate homeowners off guard.

“Sadly, there are some unlicensed traders out there who prey on the need to fix problems quickly,” Ms Judge said.

“They take advantage of people at their most vulnerable, peddling their services door-to-door offering to carry out repairs cheaply for cash.

“The work is often substandard and families can be left out of pocket because the trader disappears after the repairs are completed.”

Ms Judge said Fair Trading staff can assist storm victims by:

• providing information on how to choose suitable tradespeople to carry out repairs
• checking that traders are properly licensed and insured
• advising people in rented accommodation and their landlords about their rights and obligations and
• providing access to debt counselling for those in financial difficulties.

“Consumers should always check a trader’s credentials before employing them to carry out work,” she said.

“You should be wary of traders who only provide their first names and mobile phone numbers because it can be impossible to contact them when problems arise.

“If you are interested in a door-to-door deal, take the time to think it over and get proof they are trading legally and appropriately.

“Builders caught operating without the appropriate licence can face fines of up to $22,000.”

Consumers can check if a trader is licensed online or by contacting Fair Trading on 13 32 20.

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