Door-to-door driveway repair scam hits Tea Gardens Tea Gardens, Hawks Nest by News Of The Area - Modern Media - June 13, 2017 Bruce Chapman is warning residents about a door-to-door driveway repair scam. A TEA Gardens man is warning residents to be alert to travelling conmen after being fleeced out of $500 last week. Modern Media: Advertise with News Of The Area and you get your ad in 1) in Print, 2) on the News Website (like this ad), and 3) on our Social Media news site. A much more efficient way to advertise. Reach a HUGE audience for a LOW price TODAY! Call us on 02 4983 2134. Or media@newsofthearea.com.au Or CLICK FOR ADVERT QUOTE Bruce Chapman said he was approached at his home by two men with English accents, offering to repair and seal his concrete driveway. “The older man, who looked like he was in his late 40s, said they had all the equipment in their truck as they had just finished a job down the road,” Bruce told News Of The Area. “The man said the work on the driveway would take about two to three hours and they could do it that day.” Bruce said he had previously made enquiries about having his driveway sealed, which is probably why he wasn’t alarmed at the time. “We were aware of what needed to be done, then these guys came along and offered to do exactly what other professionals had told us, it all sounded quite good,” he said. Bruce paid the men after the job was completed, but only discovered how shoddy the workmanship was after the concrete had dried. “We didn’t realise it was a scam until we tried to contact them to come and fix the job,” Bruce said. “We’re out of pocket, but more than anything, I’m angry for being sucked into it.” Bruce said he contacted police, and now wants to warn others about falling for similar scams. NSW Fair Trading urge homeowners to be wary of people who unexpectedly turn up at their home, offering ‘special deals’ on jobs such as painting, roof repairs and sealing driveways. “The work, when carried out, is usually poor, overpriced and often left incomplete,” a NSW Fair Trading spokesperson told News Of The Area. “The travelling conmen verbally intimidate consumers into payment and quoted prices often become inflated once payment is requested.” Homeowners receiving visits from people offering such services should report them to the national hotline on 1300 133 408. Consumers are urged to shop around for quotes, only use licensed tradespeople and not to pay in full upfront. The tradesperson’s full name and licence number should also be obtained and checked online at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au. By Daniel SAHYOUN Bruce Chapman has been left out of pocket after falling for a scam. The shoddy workmanship was discovered after the concrete had completely dried.
