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.
In this article
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.
'They are unscrupulous, taking advantage of vulnerable Victorians, people from CALD backgrounds, or older people who may live alone.'
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.
Red flags that should send you running
Doorknocking with 'today only' specials
Demanding upfront payment (especially large amounts)
Refusing to provide written quotes
No valid ABN or unable to prove licensing
Pressure to sign contracts immediately
Claims about having 'leftover materials' from another job
Offers to drive you to the bank for payment
Unable or unwilling to provide local references
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.
Trust your gut feeling
- If something feels 'off', it probably is
- Legitimate tradies don't pressure or manipulate
- Take time to research before committing
- Never hand over house keys to strangers
- Written quotes and contracts protect everyone
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.
Did you know?
Did you know?
Trust your instincts, if something feels wrong it probably is, advises the National Anti-Scam Centre. This simple advice could save you thousands of dollars and significant stress.
What This Means For You
The lesson from this Reddit debate isn't about who was right or wrong—it's about the importance of thorough vetting, clear boundaries, and trusting those gut feelings that have kept many of us safe throughout our lives.
Have you encountered pushy contractors or had experiences that made you uncomfortable? Share your stories in the comments below—your experience could help protect a fellow community member from a costly mistake.
Original Article
https://www.kidspot.com.au/lifestyl...e/news-story/a311600e8fc537f76f7e48a431939fb7
Australians better protected as reported scam losses fell by almost 26 per cent | National Anti-Scam Centre
Cited text: · Those aged 65 and over continue to report the highest losses of any aged group at $99.6 million in 2024, a 17.6 per cent drop since 2023.
Excerpt: Those aged 65 and over continue to report the highest losses of any aged group at $99.6 million in 2024
https://www.nasc.gov.au/news/austra...ported-scam-losses-fell-by-almost-26-per-cent
How to spot a fake tradie—Neighbourhood Watch Victoria
Cited text: They tend to target older Australians and vulnerable people in their homes.
Excerpt: They tend to target older Australians and vulnerable people in their homes
https://nhw.com.au/fraud-scams/how-to-spot-a-fake-tradie/
Tradie nightmare exposed as Australia faces horror shortage: 'Very concerning'
Cited text: (Source: Getty/Supplied) Australia had 27,000 fewer tradies last year than in 2023 and the alarming revelation has prompted major warnings from indust...
Excerpt: Australia had 27,000 fewer tradies last year than in 2023 and the alarming revelation has prompted major warnings from industry experts.
https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/t...orror-shortage-very-concerning-213009380.html
Beware fake tradies and scammers! | COTA Victoria
Cited text: Fake tradies no longer only do ‘cash only’ deals. Many now have EFTPOS machines or ask for money to be transferred into bank accounts.
Excerpt: Fake tradies no longer only do 'cash only' deals. Many now have EFTPOS machines or ask for money to be transferred into bank accounts
https://cotavic.org.au/news/beware-fake-tradies-and-scammers/
How to spot a fake tradie—Neighbourhood Watch Victoria
Cited text: · Often carry legitimate-looking flyers and business cards that include professional logos, ABN numbers and web addresses that lead to sites which loo...
Excerpt: Often carry legitimate-looking flyers and business cards that include professional logos, ABN numbers and web addresses that lead to sites which look genuine
https://nhw.com.au/fraud-scams/how-to-spot-a-fake-tradie/
Beware fake tradies and scammers! | COTA Victoria
Cited text: ... flyers that have industry standard logos, Australian Business Numbers (ABN) and Australian Company Numbers (ACN) ... Other scams to be wary of Our...
Excerpt: have industry standard logos, Australian Business Numbers (ABN) and Australian Company Numbers (ACN)
https://cotavic.org.au/news/beware-fake-tradies-and-scammers/
Checking contractor ABN details
Cited text: Check your contractor's details (including ABN, name, and GST registration) are correct by using ABN Lookup or the ATO app.
Excerpt: Check your contractor's details (including ABN, name, and GST registration) are correct by using ABN Lookup
https://smallbusiness.taxsuperandyo...o-contractors/checking-contractor-abn-details
Contractor responsibilities | business.gov.au
Cited text: Contractors should check their eligibility before they register for an Australian Business Number (ABN). Most contractors need one, but some, such as ...
Excerpt: Contractors should check their eligibility before they register for an Australian Business Number (ABN).
https://business.gov.au/people/contractors/contractor-responsibilities
Contractor responsibilities | business.gov.au
Cited text: Contractors are generally responsible for any licences or other qualifications they need. For example, contractors must have the correct licence to do...
Excerpt: Contractors are generally responsible for any licences or other qualifications they need.
https://business.gov.au/people/contractors/contractor-responsibilities
How to Apply for an ABN as an Independent Contractor in Australia
Cited text: Consider whether you need public liability insurance, professional indemnity, or other coverage. If you’re in construction, for instance, an on-site a...
Excerpt: Consider whether you need public liability insurance, professional indemnity, or other coverage.
https://annamoney.au/blog/guides/how-to-apply-for-an-abn-as-a-contractor/
How to spot a fake tradie—Neighbourhood Watch Victoria
Cited text: · 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’...
Excerpt: A trustworthy tradie won't pressure you into making a decision or signing an agreement on the spot.
https://nhw.com.au/fraud-scams/how-to-spot-a-fake-tradie/
Victorians urged to watch out for fake tradie scams | The Senior | Senior
Cited text: 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 ...
Excerpt: If you suspect a fake tradie is at your door, tell them you're not interested and ask them to leave.
https://www.thesenior.com.au/story/6135563/scam-alert-watch-out-for-fake-tradies/
How to spot a fake tradie—Neighbourhood Watch Victoria
Cited text: Report them to the National Travelling Con Men Hotline on 1300 133 408 · Report them to Victoria Police by calling the Police Assistance Line on 133 4...
Excerpt: Report them to the National Travelling Con Men Hotline on 1300 133 408
https://nhw.com.au/fraud-scams/how-to-spot-a-fake-tradie/
How to spot tradie scams in Australia
Cited text: 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...
Excerpt: 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
https://www.trustedtradienetwork.com/blog/how-to-spot-tradie-scams
Scam Awareness Week 2025 | Heritage Bank
Cited text: Trust your instincts, if something feels wrong it probably is.
Excerpt: Trust your instincts, if something feels wrong it probably is
https://www.heritage.com.au/about/news/2024-2025-scam-alerts/2025-08-25-scam-awareness-week
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