Consumer Protection is again warning WA home owners about a tradesperson who has allegedly taken payments for fencing and paving services, but failed to carry out the work.

Since October 2020, Trevor Potter (who also goes by his middle name ‘James’) of Yanchep, trading as Bluesky Worx (unregistered), has allegedly taken deposits of approximately $16,000 from a number of consumers who are yet to receive either the goods or services, or a refund.

The complainants are mostly situated in the northern suburbs of Perth.

Bluesky Worx had been using trade seeking platforms including www.serviceseeking.com.au to offer quotes to customers who were primarily seeking fence repairs at their homes, however its account has since been shut-down following a number of complaints.

A previous media statement warning consumers about Mr Potter’s practices was issued in January 2018, when he was operating as a landscaper under different business names:

Landscaper taking money but not delivering services (Trevor Potter / Trevors Landscape Services / Liven Your Landscape)

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Penny Lipscombe said Mr Potter appeared to be once again breaching Australian Consumer Law (ACL) by accepting deposits but failing to supply the goods or services within a reasonable time. 

“Given Consumer Protection has received a number of complaints about Mr Potter recently, we are concerned about his pattern of behaviour towards some of his customers and his understanding of his obligations under the ACL,” Ms Lipscombe said.

 “We are concerned about the number of complaints and so would recommend that consumers avoid dealing with him.

“It is believed that Trevor Potter is also using the name ‘James’ when dealing with customers, therefore I would encourage consumers to investigate their chosen tradesperson thoroughly before handing over any money.

“Often there is no substitute for word of mouth recommendations when hiring tradespeople – talk to neighbours, friends and family to see who they would recommend.

“We also advise consumers to avoid paying large deposits or full amounts to tradies. For larger jobs, make progress payments as different stages of the work are completed and materials are supplied.” 

Anyone who has had unsatisfactory dealings with Trevor/James Potter or Bluesky Worx should lodge a complaint on the Consumer Protection website or email consumer@dmirs.wa.gov.au or call 1300 30 40 54.

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Media Contact: Frankie Pennington, (08) 6552 9410 / 0409 090 407 / frankie.pennington@dmirs.wa.gov.au  

Trevor Potter

Bluesky Worx