Gangs of Irish ‘gypsies’ posing as tradies are moving across Australia offering to fix damaged roofs in ‘today only’ deals – with one victim handing over $29,000
- A gang of Irish ‘gypsies’ pretending to be tradies scammed a woman of $29,000
- Police fear they will continue to floss vulnerable people of their hard earned cash
- The conmen ask for a cash payment upfront but vanish without doing any work
A gang of Irish ‘gypsies’ posing as tradies are scamming residents south of Melbourne just weeks after affluent homeowners in Sydney were targeted.
One woman in Seaford, south east of Melbourne, was conned out of $29,000 and police have warned that the rogue traders could strike again.
Witnesses described them as white men with Irish accents who dropped pamphlets in letterboxes.
The pamphlet claims to be from ‘First Choice Home Solutions’, and is riddled with spelling errors such as ’10 year garantee’.
A gang of Irish ‘gypsies’ pretending to be tradies from ‘First Choice Home Solutions’ target vulnerable people. They demand cash payments but leave without completing the job (stock)
The conmen also claim to offer a range of discounted services like fixing leaking roofs and carpentry work.
The fake tradies ask for partial or full payment upfront but disappear once they have the cash.
It comes weeks after elderly residents in Sydney’s northern beaches were targeted with one woman conned out of $8,000.
Local police officers are looking for the gang but warn residents to be vigilant.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said they are aware of conmen offering trades services to Seaford residents.
‘Police are urging the community to check the credentials of tradesmen, especially before accepting unsolicited offers of service,’ she said.
‘The men are aged in their 20s, speak with Irish accents and are believed to be frequenting the Seaford and Carrum areas.’
Anyone who may has information on the group should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
One woman was scammed of $29,000 she payed in cash for a job that was never started.