Queenslanders warned against ‘shady tradies’ advertising online

Consumers using these services to connect with tradespeople are being urged to do their homework, with Queensland Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath noting that “it’s easy for dodgy operators to set up online profiles and hide behind the anonymity of social media, so be extra cautious when engaging a tradie to do some work”.

Before looking online, she urged consumers to seek out firsthand reviews for tradespeople from friends and family.

When soliciting work from someone who has not been vetted by a personal connection, she suggested that consumers “ask traders for details of their previous customers and go and see their work”.

In addition, she advised that consumers should never pay more than a deposit of 20 per cent for work priced at $3,300 or less, and that if a trader asks for a large deposit or all the money upfront, it’s a good indication that they might be operating outside of the law.

Further protection measures she recommended include arranging an onsite inspection, asking to see certificates for public liability insurance, checking the tradesperson is licensed with the Queensland Building and Construction Commission, and getting a receipt for work. She noted that it’s often wise to pay with a credit card if this is an option, as they provide extra protection by offering a chargeback if the goods or services aren’t delivered.

In the last two years, the Office of Fair Trading has reportedly received more than 720 complaints about tradespeople, largely related to renovation, plumbing, concreting and fencing works that have been delayed or not delivered.

The Office of Fair Trading recommended that consumers who have not received goods or services they have paid for should first try to make contact with the tradesperson. Failing a satisfactory outcome, they should lodge a complaint with the Office of Fair Trading.

Ms D’Ath reassured consumers that tradespeople who fail their duties will not go unpunished.

“We will continue to crackdown on dodgy traders who are taking money from consumers and failing to supply,” she said.