Fair Trading Minister Virginia Judge today urged residents in NSW flood areas to be cautious about flood related scams and to check licences when choosing tradespeople.

“Reports have been received of scammers calling flood victims offering to help them process government relief payments such as those made by Centrelink,” Ms Judge said.

“I urge people to ignore such calls and not to provide bank details or personal information over the phone.”

Ms Judge also warned consumers of reports of several fundraising scams.

“People wanting to help flood victims should donate through official authorised charitable organisations to ensure the funds go where they are needed,” she said.

“Ask to see identification and if in doubt, choose other means to donate.”

To check whether a charity is registered, go to www.licence.nsw.gov.au

Ms Judge also cautioned flood victims to beware of dodgy builders.

“People needing to repair homes must be wary of shonky builders looking to make a quick buck,” she said.

“Some tradespeople perform poor quality work, and then move on as soon as they are paid, well before their shoddy work becomes obvious.”

Fair Trading can:

• advise consumers if the builder or tradesperson they are planning to use is appropriately licensed
• provide information about deposits and contracts.
• offer advice to renters, landlords and real estate agents on their rights and responsibilities in relation to flood damaged properties – including urgent repairs and compensation.

Ms Judge confirmed Fair Trading would replace documentation for flood victims, such as business licence certificates, for free.

Fair Trading staff will be delivering information to homes in affected areas in coming weeks to advise people of their rights and how to contact Fair Trading.

Free language assistance is available for customers from non-English speaking backgrounds, including an interpreter service on 13 14 50. Fair Trading can provide assistance on 13 32 20.

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