Steps to Take If You’ve Been Scammed by a Tradie

Hiring a tradie should make life easier, but sometimes things go wrong. From shoddy work to disappearing contractors, homeowners across Australia have faced the stress of tradie scams. Knowing what to do next can help you protect your money, seek fair outcomes, and prevent it from happening again.

This guide walks you through the steps to take if you’ve been scammed by a tradie and how to minimise the risks in the future.

1. Stop Further Payments Immediately

If you suspect a tradie has scammed you, the first step is to stop any further payments. Withhold outstanding funds until the work is rectified or until you’ve sought proper advice. In some cases, holding back payment can give you leverage to resolve disputes.

Tip: Always structure payments in stages and tie them to satisfactory progress, not just a timeline.

2. Collect and Organise Your Evidence

Documentation is key. Gather all contracts, written quotes, text messages, emails, photos of the work, and receipts. This record will help if you need to file a formal complaint, lodge an insurance claim, or take legal action.

3. Communicate Clearly with the Tradie

Sometimes what looks like a scam may be poor communication or misunderstanding. Raise your concerns with the tradie in writing. Be specific about the issues, reference agreed standards or plans, and request rectification.

If the tradie refuses to cooperate, you’ll have a written trail of your attempts to resolve the problem.

4. Get a Second Opinion

Bring in another licensed tradie or building consultant to assess the work. Their independent report will confirm whether the work meets Australian Standards, building codes, or the agreed specifications. This can strengthen your case when negotiating with the original tradie or escalating the matter.

5. Contact the Relevant Authority

Different states have bodies that regulate building and trade work. These authorities can provide advice, handle complaints, or even investigate misconduct. Depending on your location, you may need to reach out to:

• NSW: NSW Fair Trading
• VIC: Victorian Building Authority (VBA)
• QLD: Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC)
• WA: Building and Energy 
• SA: Consumer and Business Services (CBS)
• TAS: Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS)

Lodging a complaint can trigger mediation or formal action against the tradie.

6. Check Insurance Coverage

Many tradies are required to carry insurance such as Home Warranty Insurance or Public Liability Insurance. Call their insurance company directly to confirm coverage and check whether you’re eligible to make a claim.

7. Seek Legal Advice if Needed

If significant money is involved or the tradie refuses to resolve the issue, consult a lawyer. In some cases, you may be advised not to pay the final bill or to take the matter to your state’s civil tribunal. While legal action should be a last resort, knowing your rights helps you make informed decisions.

8. Report the Scam

Reporting helps protect other homeowners from falling victim to the same tradie. You can:

• File a complaint with your state building authority
• Report the matter to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) via Scamwatch
• Leave a review on trusted platforms to warn others

Use Trusted Platforms to Find Tradies

One of the simplest ways to reduce risk is to hire tradies from a trusted platform with reviews from other homeowners. ServiceSeeking.com.au lets you compare multiple quotes, read ratings from other customers, and select tradies with experience.

If you’ve been scammed by a tradie, act quickly. Stop payments, document everything, and use the proper channels to seek resolution.

Ready to hire? Post a job on ServiceSeeking.com.au and get quotes from tradies near you.