Travelling conmen alert for Bunbury
Issue Date: - Tuesday, 21 February 2012
Consumer Protection and the Building Commission have issued a joint alert to Bunbury residents after receiving early reports of unregistered roof painters operating in the area.
Consumers report being approached by workmen offering to paint roofs and driveways for cash and they do not appear to be registered as required by law. The business name that they give potential customers is also unregistered.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll is warning homeowners in Bunbury not to deal with these door-to-door traders.
“These itinerant traders use high pressure sales pitches to get consumers to agree to have their roofs painted at supposedly low cost,” Ms Driscoll said.
“The cost of the job is often more than it’s worth and the work is usually sub-standard. It’s also difficult to track down these traders for a refund or to make a warranty claim if the consumer is not satisfied. They are also breaking consumer law by not observing a ten day cooling off period for unsolicited sales.”
Acting Building Commissioner Jane Vallance said consumers should ask to see a painter’s registration before agreeing to any major painting work being done on their property.
“The registration system is in place to protect the consumer and to ensure that minimum standards are maintained and suitably qualified tradespeople carry out work that complies with building standards,” Ms Vallance said.
“Consumers can visit our website ( www.buildingcommission.wa.gov.au ) to check if a painting contractor is registered.”
Consumers who are approached by itinerant tradesmen offering on-the-spot jobs for cash should refuse to do business with them and call a national hotline number 1300 133 408. Information such as vehicle registration numbers or business details is useful.
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Media Contacts: Alan Hynd (Consumer Protection) - 9282 0961 or 0429-078791 alan.hynd@commerce.wa.gov.au
Mike Winchester (Building Commission) – 9476 1335 or 0409-118982 mike.winchester@commerce.wa.gov.au