Latest news with #AllansPlastering
News.com.au
07-07-2025
- News.com.au
Perth tradie charged with stealing and fraud after he allegedly took deposits from victims then never showed up for work
A tradesman has been accused of stealing almost $80,000 from customers after he allegedly took large deposits then failed to show up to do the work. Western Australia's consumer watchdog, Consumer Protection, said they were investigating Allan Jason Dean Howard, 30, after they received multiple complaints over the past two years about the Perth tradesman who operated under the name JD Howard and Allan's Plastering. Consumer Protection alleges Mr Howard took deposits from victims ranging from $1456 to $21,000 then failed to complete any work. Authorities allege Mr Howard responded to ads on trade-seeking platforms and social media looking for a tradesman to complete plastering jobs, rendering, roof plumbing and garage renovations. Consumer Protection allege the tradesman requested deposits as high as 50 per cent, despite the maximum deposit allowed for home building works to be no more than 6.5 per cent of the price. Consumer Protection commissioner Trish Blake said in light of the recent influx of complaints, they allege Mr Howard's business practices posed an ongoing danger to consumers who may engage his services. 'To prevent further financial loss, we strongly advise consumers to avoid dealing with Mr Howard and consider seeking alternative service providers,' she said. Mr Howard from Byford in Perth's southeast appeared in the Armadale Magistrates Court on Monday to face nine separate charges of stealing and fraud. Mr Howard is also the subject of a police investigation after several people came forward with allegations they had been targeted by a tradesman on social media. Financial Crime Squad detectives allege a small number of unscrupulous operators responded to ads and quoted on the job securing thousands of dollars in deposits then never carried out the work. Detective Senior Constable Goodgame warned people to check credentials such as ABNs, insurance, identification and have a formal contract drawn up and signed. 'We are urging Western Australians to remember to conduct reference checks on tradies who answer your advertisements and never be pressured into handing over substantial deposits,' 'And remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.'
ABC News
07-07-2025
- ABC News
Online tradie charged with stealing after allegedly taking deposits and not doing 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.
