Knockback for scams

By Jade Lawton
The club, which does not want to be identified, was approached by men offering to lay 100 square metres of asphalt for just $3500 last week.
One of the club’s members was wary of the offer and investigated the Consumer Affairs and Asphalt Association of Australia websites, both of which carry warnings of the scam.
The club decided not to accept the offer – a decision they say was vindicated when they read an article warning of the scam in last week’s Gazette.
The April newsletter of the Asphalt Association of Australia warns that the scammers lay a thin layer of asphalt on an untreated base that falls apart as soon as it is driven on, with legitimate contractors unable to salvage the work.
The association advised consumers to say no to any offer of immediate work for immediate payment and check with Consumer Affairs to ensure the tradesman was legitimate.
Victorian Consumer Affairs first warned consumers of the scam in March, and Consumer Affairs Director Dr Claire Noone said the men often had British or Irish accents.
“These traders move around the state targeting unsuspecting Victorians,” Dr Noone said
“These dodgy traders use high-pressure sales tactics to get payment and then fail to complete the job to a satisfactory standard. Once they’ve got your money, it’s too late,” Dr Noone said.
“The traders all look like legitimate asphalters by wearing safety vests, hard hats and work boots.”
Dr Noone advised people door-knocked by suspect tradespeople offering a cheap deal on repairs to refuse the offer and to note the details of the trader.
“Take down as much information as you can about the trader’s physical appearance and their vehicle, and contact CAV,” she said.
Consumers can report itinerant traders to CAV by calling 1300 55 81 81 or emailing itinerant.traders@justice.vic.gov.au