Residents fraught with fraud

A government agency has issued a scam alert following the conviction of Irish conman John Maloney.

The NSW Office of Fair Trading fined Mr Maloney $90,091 for unsolicited sales.

The travelling Irishman claimed to be an engineer and charged thousands of dollars to North Shore residents for unnecessary and poor quality work.

A spokesesperson stressed such scams are not unique.

“Scamming is ubiquitous, conmen are constantly recontextualising old scams to fit the media cycle and the psychology of their victims.”

“Unfortunately, victims of scams are some of the most vulnerable people in Australian society, such as the elderly and foreigners who can’t speak English.”

However, scam artists are rarely convicted. Many scams are carried out over the Internet, making it impossible to convict offenders as the offences occur in foreign countries.

The NSW Office of Fair Trading advised self-protection.

“People have to be constantly alert to scams.

They should only be engaging tradesmen in work who are licensed and know that reputable tradesmen do not engage in cold calling.”

The Minister for Fair Trading, Anthony Roberts said: “The best way to beat itinerant scammers is to deny them any business and report any approach to authorities.

Good, reputable tradespeople generally do not peddle their services door-to-door.

“In NSW, people who are approached should call Fair Trading on the Travelling Conmen hotline 1300 133 408.”

NSW Police spokesperson Georgina Wellen emphasised caution at home.

“Always keep doors and windows shut. Never admit anyone to your residence who you do not know and remember that a business card is in no way a valid form of identification.”

The state agency has warned inner city residents of employment scams targeting backpackers.

“A backpacker will be offered a non existent job, and will have to pay a fee for ‘training’ prior to being employed,” a spokesperson said.

Individuals can fight back against scammers with the NSW Office of Fair Trading iPhone app.

People can use the app to report fraud and learn about tips to avoid current scams.

By Chris Harris