A BUNBURY pensioner has been scammed out of his funeral fund of $15,000 by travelling conmen who offer unsuspecting victims maintenance work.
Consumer Protection has warned the South West to be on the look out for the pair who approach homes and businesses for work.
Although they often target older Western Australians, people with a disability, full-time mums or carers, or residents who speak little or no English, no one is immune.
Tens of thousands of dollars are lost to these dodgy dealers every year.
The Bunbury man was conned by men with Irish and German accents claiming to be called ‘Jim’ and ‘Steven’ from a Perth roofing company, which is a registered business.
They turned up at his home uninvited, advised his roof needed fixing, quoted him $3,000 and then dropped the price to $2,000.
However, once they were on the roof they claimed there was $30,000 worth of work to be done.
He asked them to stop work but they insisted they had already done $15,000 worth and put intense pressure on him, bullying him until he drove to the bank and paid up in cash.
Consumer Protection understands that Margaret River could be targeted next.
If you suspect someone is a travelling conman, ask them to leave.
If they refuse and you feel threatened, call the police to report trespass.
You can report any details to Consumer Protection’s general advice line: 1300 30 40 54 or the national travelling conmen hotline: 1300 133 408.
