Common Scams
Door Knockers
- Unsolicited offers to do work
- Often appear after storms
- High pressure tactics
- "Cash only" demands
The Disappearing Tradie
- Takes large deposit
- Does minimal or no work
- Stops responding
- No license, fake details
Bait and Switch
- Very low quote to win job
- Endless "variations"
- Final price much higher
Red Flags
- No license or won't provide number
- Cash only, no invoice
- PO Box only, no business address
- Pressure to decide immediately
- Quote much lower than others
- Large upfront payment demanded
- No written contract
- Can't provide references
How to Protect Yourself
- Always check license online
- Get multiple written quotes
- Never pay large deposits (max 10%)
- Use contract for significant work
- Pay by card or traceable method
- Trust your instincts
If You've Been Scammed
- Report to Fair Trading
- Report to police (if fraud)
- Contact your bank (if paid by card)
- Document everything
- Warn others (reviews, social media)