Crackdown on con men

CASEY Council is supporting a campaign to stamp out bands of travelling con men.
Con men, also known as itinerant or gypsy traders, travel across the state running well-rehearsed scams including asphalting, roof painting and home repairs.
They go from door to door offering cheap repairs or services, insist on cash up front and then disappear leaving the job unfinished.
City of Casey community safety manager Caroline Bell said residents should be suspicious of people who knock on their door unexpectedly, offer cheap deals for ‘today only’ and ask for cash up front.
“Residents should not open the door if they are unsure who the caller is, say no to their offers and record as much information about them as they can so they can be reported to Consumer Affairs Victoria,” Ms Bell said.
The new campaign targeting the issue is by Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) and Department of Justice Regional Centres.
Casey residents who come across travelling con men are encouraged to report them to Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 55 81 81 or by visiting www.consumer.vic.gov.au.