Fair Trading Minister Virginia Judge today warned residents in the flood-ravaged Riverina and south-west slopes regions to be wary of rip-off merchants.

The NSW Government has declared a natural disaster covering 18 local government areas in the Riverina.

Ms Judge said opportunistic and dodgy tradespeople and handymen often descended on towns after severe storms and flooding, hoping to catch desperate homeowners off-guard.

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

“The family home is the largest investment most people will ever make. It is not worth the risk to save a few dollars on some unlicensed, fly-by-night tradesperson.

“Storm and flood damage can also be a major issue for landlords, tenants and real estate agents when a rental property is damaged and requires urgent repairs, with possible issues of compensation.

“A single telephone call to Fair Trading on 13 32 20 can save families financial loss and emotional heartache.”

Ms Judge said Fair Trading staff were ready to assist flood victims by:

• providing information on how to choose suitable tradespeople to carry out repairs
• checking that tradespeople offering to do work were 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.

Ms Judge said there were stiff penalties for unlicensed trading.

“I strongly advise consumers who need to repair their homes to check with Fair Trading that the tradespeople they plan to employ are licensed for the particular task,” she said.

Consumers can check the validity and currency of a builder’s or tradesperson’s licence online on this website or by calling 13 32 20.

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

“Anyone who is approached by questionable tradespeople should immediately contact Fair Trading,” Ms Judge said.

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