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Samson roofing scam prompts warning from Consumer Protection

Jessica NicoFremantle Gazette

CONSUMER Protection is warning locals to be vigilant about unsolicited door-to-door sales following a recent incident in Samson.

Consumer Protection acting commissioner David Hillyard said they had received information about men who claimed to work for a roofing company making an “uninvited approach” to a Samson resident.

The men told the resident they were doing a job in the area and noticed the roof needed work, quoting an $8000 price before negotiating it down to $6000.

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The men returned the next day, accepted full payment and began the job but have since not returned to finish it.

Mr Hillyard said consumers needed to know they had a right to a cooling off period when they agreed to buy services after an uninvited approach.

“Under the Australian Consumer Law a cooling off period applies to unsolicited sales and means no money can change hands and no work be carried out for 10 business days; in which time the consumer can cancel the contract without penalty,” he said.

“Even if you have invited a tradesperson to your home to only provide a quote, the cooling off period still applies.

“We recommend that consumers get more than one quote for work around the home, check the credentials of the business before signing any contracts or handing over any money, ask for references, inspect previous work and carry out an internet search of the business name to see if positive or negative comments arise.

“Conmen often operate door-to-door and can charge exorbitant rates for sub-standard work, if any work is carried out at all.”

The Home Building Contracts Act outlines a written contract signed by both the owner and the builder was needed for work valued between $7500 and $500,000.

Visit www.commerce.wa.gov.au/building-commission/building-or-renovating-your-home for more information.