THE Department of Consumer Protection has issued a warning about a Byford landscaper allegedly accepting payment for work that has not been carried out.
A statement issued by the department this morning said Trevor James Potter, trading as Trevors Landscape Services and Liven Your Landscape (both unregistered), allegedly owes consumers a total of almost $17,000.
15 complaints have been lodged about Mr Potter since October 2016, claiming he has taken deposits and failed to carry out work or provide refunds, breaching Australian consumer law.
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READ NOWConsumer Protection Commissioner David Hillyard said while the landscaper had made small payments to some affected consumers, the bulk of their deposit money remains outstanding.
“Consumer Protection has attempted to resolve the complaints but, despite numerous promises to refund consumers the full amount, the payments have not eventuated,” Mr Hillyard said.
“This is very frustrating for both the consumers involved and the Department, so we must now warn other consumers not to deal with this tradesperson until these matters are resolved.
“Under consumer law it is illegal to accept a deposit but fail to complete the work within a reasonable timeframe.
“It is also a reminder to consumers not to pay too much upfront for goods or services. Only pay a minimal deposit of about ten per cent or, for larger jobs, negotiate progress payments as stages of the work are completed.
“It is also illegal for tradespeople to accept deposits of more than 6.5 per cent for building work valued at more than $7500.”
Anyone who has dealt with Mr Potter and is unhappy with the service can lodge a complaint online at www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au.
Mr Potter has been contacted for comment.