By CASEY NEILL
TRAVELLING conmen have been operating near the Greater Dandenong area.
Consumer Affairs Victoria last week issued a warning to residents about shonky tradesmen offering cheap roof restoration, driveway repairs and painting and decorating services.
Director Claire Noone said Consumer Affairs Victoria and the national travelling conmen hotline had received recent reports that they were operating in Wantirna South, Blackburn, Murrumbeena, Scoresby, Glen Waverley, Rowville, Box Hill North, Clayton and Aspendale Gardens.
She said they often targeted senior citizens, people with disabilities, residents who speak little or no English and full-time mums or carers.
“They knock on their door unexpectedly and offer them a deal too good to be true,” Dr Noone said.
“They offer jobs such as gardening, painting, roof repairs and driveway sealing at a cheap rate, putting residents under pressure to say yes on the spot.
“Travelling conmen may work within groups and families, offering cheap ‘today only’ deals, asking for cash up front before disappearing, leaving poor quality or incomplete work.”
Dr Noone urged people to shop around for quotes, only use established tradespeople who provided written quotes and to not sign any agreement until they were ready.
Report suspected travelling conmen to the national hotline, 1300 133 408, visit the national ‘stop travelling conmen’ Facebook page and follow #stopconmen on Twitter for the latest reports.
