When it comes to keeping our homes safe and comfortable, most of us have had to call in a tradie at some point—whether it’s for a leaky tap, a flickering light, or a roof that’s seen better days.

But what happens when the person you trust to fix your home turns out to be more interested in emptying your wallet than helping you out?

Sadly, a growing number of Australians—especially older Aussies—are finding themselves the targets of dodgy home repair practices and outright scams.



These aren’t just minor annoyances; they can cost thousands, leave you with unfinished or shoddy work, and cause a lot of stress and heartache.

Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening, how these rogue tradies operate, and most importantly, what you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Take Jane’s story, for example. When her 78-year-old mother lost power at home, Jane called in an electrician for a quote.

The response was a jaw-dropping $20,000 to 'rewire the whole house'—and a pushy demand to sign on the spot or risk being left in the dark. ‘He had the iPad out and said ‘I’ll need you to sign here’. I know my mum doesn’t have that kind of money. I asked why it would cost so much.’



‘They said something like “This quote will expire, you need to sign now or we can’t get started and you won’t have electricity.”’ Thankfully, Jane didn’t give in to the pressure. She got a second opinion and had the job done for just $3,500.

But Jane remains furious because if she had not been there, her 78-year-old mother would be left to take on the pressure.

Consumer groups and government agencies across Australia are sounding the alarm about a wave of unscrupulous tradies using high-pressure tactics, scare campaigns, and outright lies to target vulnerable people—especially seniors and those affected by natural disasters.

Here are some of the most common tricks these operators use:

• Targeting the vulnerable: Older people, those living alone, or anyone recently affected by storms or floods are prime targets. Scammers know you’re more likely to be home during the day and may be feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
• Fearmongering: They’ll claim your home is unsafe, your roof is about to collapse, or your wiring is a fire hazard—anything to make you panic and agree to expensive, unnecessary work.
• High-Pressure Sales: 'Sign now or miss out!' 'This quote expires today!' They’ll try to rush you into a decision before you have time to think or get a second opinion.
• Overcharging and Upselling: Charging $1,000 for a $90 part, or quoting $10,000 for a job that should cost a few hundred. Sometimes, they’ll start work without a formal quote, then demand payment for 'extras' you never agreed to.
• Hiding Behind Multiple Names: Some companies operate under dozens or even hundreds of business names, making it hard to track their reputation or avoid them if you’ve had a bad experience.
• Threatening Behaviour: In the worst cases, scammers have been known to stand over people—sometimes literally—while demanding payment.

The problem is widespread. In New South Wales alone, there have been over 150 reports of unlicensed or unregistered trade work since the start of 2025.

In Western Australia, 'dodgy door knockers' have been caught charging elderly couples thousands for roof repairs that were never needed—or never finished.

One couple was coerced into handing over an $18,645 cheque, while another was pressured into a $2,145 bank transfer with the tradie looming over them.

Other horror stories include:

- $1,000 to fix a leaking tap
- $2,500 for an air conditioning part worth less than $100
- $10,000 to unblock a drain and replace concrete that didn’t need replacing

And it’s not just the cost. Sometimes, the work is so poor it creates new problems—or isn’t done at all.



According to the Council on the Ageing Australia, older people are more likely to be home during the day and may be less familiar with the latest scams or high-pressure sales tactics.

Acting CEO Corey Irlam warns: 'If someone shows up unannounced, uses high-pressure tactics, or demands upfront payment for a job, that’s a red flag.'

If you think you’ve been targeted by a dodgy tradie, contact your state’s consumer protection agency right away. You can also report scams to the ACCC’s Scamwatch website.

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Have you or someone you know had a run-in with a rogue tradie? What tips do you have for spotting a scam? Share your stories and advice in the comments below!