Please note: this is an archived news article release
This article was published on Friday, 30 October, 2015. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.
Posted on Friday 30th of October, 2015,
Minister for Consumer Affairs Jane Garrett today launched a new campaign to raise community awareness about the dodgy dealings of travelling con men.
The joint Consumer Affairs Victoria and Crime Stoppers Victoria campaign will run until March 2016, and aims to empower residents to say no to shonky door-to-door tradespeople.
Travelling con men move across the state, especially during the warmer months, offering cheap “today only” deals on jobs such as painting, roof repairs and bitumen laying.
They ask for cash payments up front and often take the money and run, leaving behind work that is unfinished or of poor quality.
Almost 200 people contacted the national travelling con men hot line during a Victorian awareness campaign in 2014-15, reporting financial losses of more than $570,000.
More than 150 reports of con men operating in Victoria have been received since July this year.
Consumer Affairs Victoria has been partnering with Crime Stoppers Victoria to coordinate statewide campaigns since 2009.
This summer’s campaign educates people on how to identify and protect themselves against con men, and features information from Victoria Police and the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.
To support Victorians from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, important details are being translated into 10 other languages, including Chinese, Vietnamese, Farsi and Somali.
Philippa Maloney-Walsh, a Victorian conned out of thousands of dollars by a band of dodgy tradespeople who offered to carry out roof repairs on her home, spoke at today’s launch event.
The campaign also includes television, radio and print advertisements and social media.
Victorians are encouraged to report travelling con men activities to the national hot line – 1300 133 408 – or to their local police.
More News from Greater Shepparton
Wednesday 29th of April,
Council endorses pathway to rebuild Shepparton Italian Social Club building
Greater Shepparton City Council has set a clear pathway for the reinstatement of the former Shepparton Italian Social Club building, endorsing a recommendation at its April Council Meeting on Tuesday. Read more
Wednesday 29th of April,
Greater Shepparton overlooked in State Budget road funding
Greater Shepparton has again been overlooked in the Victorian Government’s upcoming 2026/27 State Budget, with no funding allocated to address congestion, road safety or critical freight routes across the municipality. Read more
Tuesday 28th of April,
Greater Shepparton misses out again as bus funding focuses on metro routes
The State Government’s latest public transport announcements have again highlighted significant inequities between metropolitan and regional Victoria, with just three improvements identified across regional areas and no commitment to review outdated… Read more
Monday 27th of April,
Road maintenance funding does not address long term regional challenges
Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Councillor Shane Sali, said the latest announcement from the Victorian Government of a $1 billion allocation for regional road maintenance is not an increase in investment for regional Victoria. Read more
Friday 24th of April,
Boot Swap almost here supporting local families and players this sporting season
Greater Shepparton City Council is reminding the community that the Boot Swap is fast approaching, giving local families a simple way to access sporting gear and help more young people stay involved in sport. Read more
Friday 24th of April,
Community urged to have their say as MDBP review shapes Greater Shepparton’s future
Greater Shepparton City Council is urging residents, businesses and community groups to have their say on the Murray–Darling Basin Plan (MDBP) review, warning the outcomes will have long term impacts well beyond agriculture and will influence everyday… Read more
See All News
Want to get the latest news and events in your Facebook feed?
Just go to our Facebook page and click the Like button.
More Events in Greater Shepparton
Saturday 2nd of May,
Storytelling with Nature
Storytelling was an important way of developing connection with nature and with community, but it no longer has an important place in our busy lives. Read more
Tuesday 5th of May, – to Monday 11th of May,
VicGrid - Dookie Community Sessions
We’re hosting small, group community information sessions at the Dookie Memorial Hall about the proposed Central North Renewable Energy Zone. Read more
Saturday 2nd of May,
Paul Tabone Salutes - Andrea Bocelli
Experience the soaring beauty and emotional power of the music made famous by Andrea Bocelli, performed by Australia's favourite tenor. View on Riverlinks
Wednesday 6th of May,
Puff Walk
Enjoy the beauty of our local parks on Puff Walk! Read more
Tuesday 5th of May,
Messy Play
Looking for a fun, hands-on activity for your little ones? Join us for Messy Play! Read more
Tuesday 5th of May,
Riverlinks and Winding Road Productions present Fever! - The Songs of Peggy Lee -- AN AFTERNOON DELIGHT
She is best remembered for her finger-snapping style as she sang about Romeo & Juliet and Captain Smith’s little crush on Pocahontas - but she’s so much more than just the diva that gave us Fever! View on Riverlinks
See All Events