Fair Trading Minister Virginia Judge today warned residents in flood-ravaged areas across the State to be wary of rip-off merchants offering to help with repairs.

Ms Judge said opportunistic and dodgy non-qualified builders, glaziers and roof tilers often descended on towns after severe storms and flooding, hoping to catch desperate home owners off guard.

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

“These dodgy characters do a shoddy job, demand cash payment and leave town without a trace.

“The family home is the largest investment most people will ever make.

“It is not worth the risk to save a few dollars on an unlicensed, fly-by-night tradesperson who knocks on the door.”

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.

Fair Trading staff can assist flood victims by:

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

Ms Judge said there were stiff penalties for unlicensed trading.

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

“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.”

“Consumers can check the validity and currency of a builder’s or tradesperson’s licence online at the Fair Trading website or by calling 13 32 20.”

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

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