Key Takeaways:
- A Gold Coast builder, Mathew Stringer, has been impersonated by a scammer who has allegedly taken money from multiple people for unfinished or unstarted work.
- The scammer has been using Stringer’s builder’s licence and claiming to be his nephew to gain trust from potential clients.
- An investigation is underway, and an arrest warrant has been issued for the man involved in the alleged fraud.
- Homeowners are advised to check the validity of a builder’s licence and do their due diligence before hiring someone.
- The building industry is urging people to be cautious and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Introduction to the Scam
Mathew Stringer, a reputable builder on the Gold Coast, has been building and renovating homes for families for over three decades. However, his good name was recently tarnished when he received a complaint from an angry customer who alleged that someone with the same surname had taken their money without doing any work. The customer claimed that the individual had posed as Stringer’s nephew and used his builder’s licence to gain their trust. Stringer was shocked and disappointed by the allegations, and he immediately reported the incident to the police and Queensland’s construction watchdog.
The Extent of the Scam
As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that the scam was more extensive than initially thought. Stringer was contacted by eight more people who had similar complaints, each alleging that they had lost between $10,000 and $18,000 to the scammer. One woman claimed that she had paid a $12,000 deposit for a retaining wall that was never built. The scammer’s tactics were sophisticated, and he had managed to convince many people that he was a legitimate builder. Stringer was determined to stop the scammer and prevent further victims from being ripped off.
Investigation and Arrest Warrant
The Gold Coast Police have launched an investigation into the allegations, and an arrest warrant has been issued for the man involved in the alleged fraud. Superintendent Peter Miles told the ABC that the individual had used the name of an existing building company to gain contracts for renovations and buildings, without the company’s knowledge or association. The police have identified additional alleged victims and are urging anyone with information to come forward. The Queensland Police spokesperson also stated that the man had allegedly hired equipment from a tool hire company and failed to return it, further adding to the list of allegations against him.
Preventing Similar Scams
The building industry is urging homeowners to be cautious when hiring builders and to do their due diligence before signing any contracts. Adam Profke, the regional manager of Master Builders Gold Coast, said that while cases of unlicensed operators impersonating legitimate builders are rare, they can still happen. He advised homeowners to check the validity of a builder’s licence on the Queensland Building and Construction Commission’s (QBCC) website before engaging with them. Stringer also emphasized the importance of getting referrals from friends and family and carefully reviewing contracts before signing them.
Consequences for Unlicensed Operators
Under the QBCC Act, individuals found guilty of three or more unlicensed building-related offences can face significant penalties, including a fine of up to $58,415 or one year in jail. The building industry is working hard to prevent such cases, and Stringer hopes that the authorities will crack down on dodgy operators. He believes that by raising awareness and educating homeowners, they can prevent similar scams from happening in the future. By taking the necessary precautions and being vigilant, homeowners can protect themselves from falling victim to unscrupulous builders and ensure that their building projects are completed to a high standard.
Conclusion
The case of Mathew Stringer’s impersonation serves as a reminder to homeowners to be cautious when hiring builders and to do their due diligence before signing any contracts. By checking the validity of a builder’s licence, getting referrals, and carefully reviewing contracts, homeowners can protect themselves from falling victim to scams. The building industry is working hard to prevent such cases, and it is essential for homeowners to be aware of the risks and take the necessary precautions. By working together, we can prevent similar scams from happening in the future and ensure that the building industry remains a trustworthy and reputable sector.
