FALSE CLAIM BRINGS BUILDER FINE

Fair Trading Minister Margaret Keech today warned Queenslanders to be cautious when responding to trade advertisements, after a Wynnum man was fined for misrepresenting himself as a licensed builder.

Mrs Keech said Scott Adam Gardner, 39, was recently fined $6,000 and ordered to pay $64.30 in court costs after being prosecuted by the Office of Fair Trading.

“Fair Trading followed up on a complaint from the Queensland Building Services Authority (BSA) about Gardner using a BSA number which belonged to another person,” Mrs Keech said.

The Wynnum Magistrates Court was told Gardner placed advertisements in a local suburban newspaper under the names ‘Gardner Concreting and Gardener Concreting’ claiming to have 22 years’ experience, offering to do slabs, footings and pergolas.

“People need to be wary - using someone without the appropriate credentials to carry out building work could have very serious consequences,” Mrs Keech said.

“BSA registered and accredited builders are issued with a builder’s licence and number.

“Consumers should always ask to see the trader’s licence and carry out a licence search with the BSA to clarify the name, business details and class of the operator, to make sure they are qualified to do the job.

“We all need to play a part in making sure those who are doing the wrong thing are caught.

“If you believe a trader has misled or deceived you about their qualifications or an affiliation they do not have, lodge a complaint with the Office of Fair Trading.”

To make a complaint, go to www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au. To do an online BSA licence search visit www.bsa.qld.gov.au or contact the BSA on 1300 272 272.

Media contacts: David Smith 3225 1005 / 0409 496 534 or Julie Struber (OFT) 3119 0066