Perth man charged with theft for taking deposits without completing work

People hiring tradies off social media are being warned to proceed with caution, after a Perth man was charged with allegedly securing thousands of dollars in deposits, without carrying out any work.

WA Police say several people have come forward after they posted to social media seeking qualified tradespeople for quotes on renovation works. They say a very small number of \"unscrupulous operators\" responded to the advertisements, where it's alleged they secured thousands of dollars in deposits — and failed to complete any work.

Detectives from the Financial Crimes Squad later charged Allan Jason Dean Howard, 30, with eight counts of stealing and one count of uttering a forged record, with intent to defraud. It's alleged he was one of the people who responded to advertisements as a self-employed tradesperson and quoted on renovation works between December 2024 and March this year.

Police say Mr Howard, who lives in Byford, failed to complete works in suburbs including Balga, Cooloongup, Mindarie, Stirling, Victoria Park, Kardinya, South Perth and Wanneroo. Mr Howard faced the Armadale Magistrates Court on Monday, where his defence lawyer asked for a \"long adjournment.\" His bail was extended until his next hearing in September.

WA's Consumer Protection body confirmed they were also investigating Mr Howard, trading as Allan's Plastering, after receiving 11 complaints against him from the public. It's alleged the complaints included the non-delivery of trade services like plastering or garage renovation, after payment was made.

Consumer Protection alleges the tradesman went by \"JD Howard\" and responded to advertisements on social media groups and \"trade-seeking platforms\" online. The agency said if home building works are valued at more than $7,500, consumers can only be required to pay a deposit of 6.5 per cent or less before works begin.

Consumer Protection Commissioner Trish Blake said it was alleged Mr Howard requested deposit payments as high as 50 per cent. \"Recommendations from people you know are great for finding tradies — see who your neighbours, friends and family have used,\" she said.

Police say if people believe they have been scammed, they should contact Crime Stoppers or report their experience to Consumer Protection. A Financial Crimes Squad detective said police were urging people to conduct reference checks on tradespeople who responded to their adverts.

They also said people should never be pressured into providing \"substantial deposits\". \"When it comes to engaging tradespeople, it is wise to do ABN checks, request document insurance, identification and have a formal contract drawn up and signed,\" they said. \"Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.\"

According to the source: Australian Broadcasting Corporation.