Perth tradie charged with stealing and fraud after he allegedly took deposits from victims then never showed up for work
Western Australia's consumer watchdog, Consumer Protection, said they were investigating Allan Jason Dean Howard, 30, after they received multiple complaints over the past two years about the Perth tradesman who operated under the name JD Howard and Allan's Plastering.
Consumer Protection alleges Mr Howard took deposits from victims ranging from $1456 to $21,000 then failed to complete any work.
Authorities allege Mr Howard responded to ads on trade-seeking platforms and social media looking for a tradesman to complete plastering jobs, rendering, roof plumbing and garage renovations.
Consumer Protection allege the tradesman requested deposits as high as 50 per cent, despite the maximum deposit allowed for home building works to be no more than 6.5 per cent of the price.
Consumer Protection commissioner Trish Blake said in light of the recent influx of complaints, they allege Mr Howard's business practices posed an ongoing danger to consumers who may engage his services.
'To prevent further financial loss, we strongly advise consumers to avoid dealing with Mr Howard and consider seeking alternative service providers,' she said.
Mr Howard from Byford in Perth's southeast appeared in the Armadale Magistrates Court on Monday to face nine separate charges of stealing and fraud.
Mr Howard is also the subject of a police investigation after several people came forward with allegations they had been targeted by a tradesman on social media.
Financial Crime Squad detectives allege a small number of unscrupulous operators responded to ads and quoted on the job securing thousands of dollars in deposits then never carried out the work.
Detective Senior Constable Goodgame warned people to check credentials such as ABNs, insurance, identification and have a formal contract drawn up and signed.
'We are urging Western Australians to remember to conduct reference checks on tradies who answer your advertisements and never be pressured into handing over substantial deposits,'
'And remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.'
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