How to Protect Older Family Members from Tradie Scams

It’s a sad reality that some tradies take advantage of older Australians, quoting sky-high prices for simple repairs or pushing unnecessary work. These scams not only drain savings but also leave older family members stressed and vulnerable.

Stories in the news show just how serious the problem can be. In one case, a Sydney plumber quoted a 98-year-old war veteran more than $31,000 for a toilet repair—later completed by another tradie for just $550. Cases like this highlight the importance of knowing how to protect older relatives from tradie scams.

Here are practical ways to safeguard your parents or grandparents when they need home repairs.

Understand the Common Red Flags

Scammers often rely on pressure tactics or inflated quotes. Some warning signs include:

• Quoting thousands of dollars for simple jobs like tap reseating or toilet repairs.
• Refusing to provide a written quote or dramatically increasing costs once work has begun.
• Insisting on upfront cash payments.
• Pushing for urgent or “emergency” work without giving clear explanations.
• Making older clients feel uncomfortable or rushed into decisions.

If something feels off, it probably is. Encourage your family members to pause and get advice before saying yes to work.

Step In to Manage Quotes

Older relatives might feel pressured to agree on the spot. To reduce this risk:

• Ask tradies to provide quotes directly to you instead of your parents.
• Get at least two or three quotes for comparison.
• Make it clear in writing that only you can authorise jobs and payments. Even a quick email or text is enough.
• Where possible, handle payments yourself so your parents don’t feel pressured at the door.

This creates a clear record and removes the chance for scammers to manipulate vulnerable homeowners.

Build a Trusted List of Tradies

Instead of starting fresh each time, help your family find reliable tradies they can return to for future jobs. Trusted options often come from:

• Recommendations from neighbours, friends, or family.
• Businesses with verified reviews and a strong track record.
• Platforms like ServiceSeeking, where homeowners can compare quotes and read feedback before choosing.

If you create a go-to list of reliable professionals, your parents are less likely to call random numbers from flyers or unsolicited calls.

Stay Involved in the Process

Even if you don’t live nearby, you can still support your parents or grandparents by:

• Joining calls with tradies on loudspeaker.
• Asking for photos or videos of the issue before any work begins.
• Reviewing and approving invoices.
• Scheduling jobs at times when a neighbour or trusted friend can drop in.

This involvement makes it much harder for scammers to apply pressure or mislead older clients.

Encourage Transparency

A reputable tradie will:

• Provide a clear, written quote.
• Break down costs for labour, materials, and any extras.
• Explain the work in simple terms without being pushy.
• Allow you to ask questions and give you time to decide.

If a tradie refuses these basics, take it as a warning sign and look elsewhere.

Use Vetted Services

In some states, government programs like Home Assist provide vetted tradies for elderly residents at subsidised costs. These services are a good option, but they may not cover every type of job.

For other work, using a platform like ServiceSeeking helps ensure you’re hiring professionals who are rated and reviewed by other homeowners. This gives you more confidence that the job will be done fairly and at a reasonable price.

Protecting older family members from tradie scams comes down to vigilance, communication, and trusted connections. If your family needs home repairs or improvements, take the guesswork out of the process. Post a job on ServiceSeeking.com.au, compare quotes, and connect with reliable tradies who treat clients with respect.