Trust your instincts: Why this woman's 'dodgy tradie' encounter should worry every Australian homeowner

When a woman shared her uncomfortable experience with a flooring contractor on an online forum, she sparked a heated debate that goes far beyond simple tradie etiquette.

Her story highlights a growing concern for Australian homeowners, particularly those over 60, who face increasing risks from unscrupulous operators in a desperate market.

The woman's experience began ordinarily enough—she'd hired someone to sand and polish her hardwood floors. But red flags started appearing immediately. First, the contractor claimed her house was 'unlocked' when they arrived at the agreed 7:30am time, suggesting he'd tried the door handle before they got there.

Then he pushed back the completion timeline and asked for her house keys so he could 'come and go' as needed.

When she refused to hand over keys, citing security concerns, the tradie became defensive, claiming she'd be liable if his 'expensive equipment' got stolen. After consulting with his wife, he walked away from the job entirely.

Why seniors are in the crosshairs

Those aged 65 and over continue to report the highest losses of any aged group at $99.6 million in 2024, according to the latest data from Australia's National Anti-Scam Centre. While this represents a 17.6 per cent drop from 2023, it still means older Australians are losing more money to scammers than any other age group.

They tend to target older Australians and vulnerable people in their homes, warns Neighbourhood Watch Victoria about fake tradies specifically. The reasons are unfortunately clear—seniors often have more valuable homes, may live alone, and can be perceived as less likely to challenge aggressive sales tactics.

The timing couldn't be worse. Australia had 27,000 fewer tradies last year than in 2023 and the alarming revelation has prompted major warnings from industry experts.

The federal government's ambitious goal of building 1.2 million homes over a five-year period could be in serious doubt if construction sites aren't able to bring in the next generation of tradespeople. This shortage creates desperation among homeowners—and opportunity for scammers.

The modern fake tradie playbook

The days of obviously dodgy operators demanding cash-only payments are largely over. Fake tradies no longer only do 'cash only' deals.

Many now have EFTPOS machines or ask for money to be transferred into bank accounts, making them much harder to spot.

Today's fake tradies have become sophisticated. They often carry legitimate-looking flyers and business cards that include professional logos, ABN numbers and web addresses that lead to sites which look genuine.

Some even have industry standard logos, Australian Business Numbers (ABN) and Australian Company Numbers (ACN) on their materials.

How to verify a tradie is legitimate

The good news is that checking a contractor's credentials has never been easier, thanks to government databases that put verification at your fingertips.

Step 1: Check their ABN

Check your contractor's details (including ABN, name, and GST registration) are correct by using ABN Lookup on the Australian Business Register website. Contractors should check their eligibility before they register for an Australian Business Number (ABN). Most contractors need one, but some, such as labour hire workers, aren't eligible. Hirers may legally withhold the top rate of tax from a contractor's pay if they don't give them an ABN when they start a job.

Step 2: Verify licensing

Contractors are generally responsible for any licences or other qualifications they need. For example, contractors must have the correct licence to do electrical work in Australia. Each state has different requirements, so check with your local building authority.

Step 3: Confirm insurance

Legitimate contractors carry public liability insurance and often professional indemnity cover. Consider whether you need public liability insurance, professional indemnity, or other coverage. If you're in construction, for instance, an on-site accident might lead to steep costs if you lack adequate insurance. Ask to see their certificate of currency before any work begins.

What the Reddit debate missed

While online commenters argued about whether demanding house keys was reasonable, they overlooked several crucial safety considerations. The woman's instincts were spot-on for reasons beyond simple discomfort.

A trustworthy tradie won't pressure you into making a decision or signing an agreement on the spot. They will happily answer your questions and won't mind giving you time to decide. The contractor's immediate pivot to cancelling the job when challenged suggests someone more interested in easy access than professional service.

The 'expensive equipment' excuse is particularly telling. Professional contractors routinely manage valuable tools and know how to secure them without demanding client house keys. Many use secure storage trailers or remove equipment daily as standard practice.

Taking action if you encounter suspicious behaviour

If you suspect a fake tradie is at your door, tell them you're not interested and ask them to leave. If they do not leave, they are breaking the law and you can call the police.

If you've been approached by someone suspicious:

• Record their vehicle registration number
• Keep any flyers or business cards they leave
• Note the time, date and address of contact
• Report them to the National Travelling Con Men Hotline on 1300 133 408
• Contact your state consumer affairs office

For those who've already engaged a questionable contractor, act quickly. If you suspect you've fallen victim to a tradie scam, don't delay. Acting quickly can increase your chances of recovering money, reporting the scammer, and protecting others from the same fate.

Creating a safer marketplace

The woman who sparked this debate did exactly what every homeowner should do—trusted her instincts and prioritised her family's security over convenience. Her experience shows that even when contractors seem legitimate on the surface, concerning behaviour patterns should not be ignored.

With Australia's tradie shortage set to continue, the pressure to accept substandard service or skip proper vetting will only increase. But shortcuts in contractor selection often lead to much bigger problems than delayed projects.