By Emma Kirk
A tradesman has been accused of stealing almost $80,000 from customers after he allegedly took large deposits then failed to show up to do the work.
Western Australia鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 business practices posed an ongoing danger to consumers who may engage his services.
鈥淭o prevent further financial loss, we strongly advise consumers to avoid dealing with Mr Howard and consider seeking alternative service providers,鈥 she said.
Mr Howard from Byford in Perth鈥檚 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.
鈥淲e 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,鈥
鈥淎nd remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.鈥