TV ads target con men

A NEW television campaign launched last week is aimed at helping Victorians spot con men who travel the state ripping off consumers with dodgy home repairs.
The joint education campaign is being run by Consumer Affairs Victoria and Crime Stoppers Victoria.
Consumer Affairs Minister Michael O’Brien said the television and press campaign would give consumers the confidence to say no to a dodgy tradie.
“We are protecting consumers, their homes and their pockets by making them aware of how to spot a travelling con man,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Wearing a fluoro jacket and a hard hat doesn’t automatically mean the man who knocks on your door has the right skills to repair a driveway or fence, or paint a roof.
“These con men have been known to prey on vulnerable consumers living in outer suburbs, as well as in regional Victoria.”
Mr O’Brien warned people to be cautious of people who looked like tradesmen and knocked on doors uninvited and quoted home repair services as cheap, cash-only jobs and demanded payment before any work was done.
He urged Victorians to do their research before choosing a tradesperson. “Always get quotes, and don’t commit until you are happy the tradesperson has the skills and professionalism to do the job properly,” he said.
“Victorians who suspect a travelling con man is operating in their area should contact Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 55 81 81.”
Information about travelling con men is available on the Consumer Affairs Victoria website, www.consumer.vic.gov.au/travellingconmen