Canberrans are being warned not to use a roof repair and maintenance business after it allegedly pocketed $94,000 in deposits for work it did not commence or complete.
The ACT Commissioner for Fair Trading issued a public warning on Monday about DSJB Group for possible contraventions of the Australian Consumer Law.
The notice said the Canberra business "allegedly accepted deposits between $1375 and $49,000 to the approximate value of 50 to 70 per cent of the total quote value and have failed to supply those services either within the period specified by DSJB Group or within a reasonable time".
"Several Canberrans have been left out of pocket with the alleged losses totalling approximately $94,000, excluding the costs in engaging another tradesperson to complete the unfinished work," ACT Commissioner for Fair Trading Derise Cubin said.
Multiple customers complained to Access Canberra after they sought refunds, which the company agreed to but allegedly did not end up paying.
"Accepting payments from a consumer and not supplying the service is a serious offence under the Australian Consumer Law. Consumers have rights and if they have paid for services then they must be completed within the stated timeframe, or if no timeframe is given, within a reasonable time," Ms Cubin said.
"I urge Canberrans to be vigilant if choosing to enter into any agreement with DSJB Group and appeal to consumers to undertake their due diligence when entering into any contracts for similar services."
Access Canberra has online resources available to help consumers with their purchasing decisions including advice about choosing a tradie, obtaining multiple quotes, researching the ABN of a business and avoiding large upfront payments where possible.
If consumers have any complaints in relation to DSJB Group's alleged compliance with the ACL in the ACT, they should contact Access Canberra on 13 22 81 or make a complaint via the Access Canberra website.
