Mathew Stringer takes pride in the homes he has built and renovated for families on the Gold Coast for three decades.
The 55-year-old knew something was not right when he received a complaint from an angry customer earlier this year.
Mr Stringer said the customer alleged that an apparent tradie with the same surname had run off with their money without doing any work.
“He asked if I was related to him to, which I said, ‘No — I’ve never heard of this guy,'” Mr Stringer said.
“He said, ‘Well, this guy’s claiming to be your nephew and he’s using your builder’s licence as if he’s part of the company.'”
Mathew Stringer has been a builder for more than 30 years. (ABC Gold Coast: Danielle Mahe)
Mr Stringer said he was shocked by the call and reported the allegations to police and Queensland’s construction watchdog.
“I’m really disappointed that guys are out there trying to scam people — not only muddying my name, but he’s taken money from people who are innocent and trying to do the right thing,” he said.
He said he was later contacted by another eight people with similar complaints.
Each alleged they had lost between $10,000 and $18,000 after hiring the same man.
Mr Stringer said one woman alleged the man disappeared with a $12,000 deposit she had paid him for a retaining wall that was never built.
“I’ve heard of plenty of scams over the years — people lending their licence to other people that aren’t qualified, but I’ve never heard of a situation like this before,” Mr Stringer said.
“We want to stop it before more people get ripped off.”
Mathew Stringer was shocked by the allegations. (ABC Gold Coast: Danielle Mahe)
Investigation underway
Gold Coast Police Superintendent Peter Miles told the ABC detectives were investigating the reports.
“The individual has allegedly used the name of an existing building company to gain contracts for renovations and buildings,” he said.
“The legitimate company do not know this person, they’re not associated with this person, and as a result of that, an investigation has kicked off the back of this individual who is using this company’s name not providing services or providing dodgy services.”
Superintendent Peter Miles says the matter is being investigated. (ABC Gold Coast: Danielle Mahe)
Superintendent Miles said detectives had identified additional alleged victims who reported similar incidents.
A Queensland Police spokesperson said an arrest warrant has been issued for the man involved in the alleged fraud.
In a statement the spokesperson said he also allegedly hired equipment from a tool hire company and failed to return it.
They said anyone who has had similar dealings or who may have information that could help detectives find the man is urged to contact police.
Buyers urged to do due diligence
Property owners are advised to check the validity of a builder’s licence on the Queensland Building and Construction Commission’s (QBCC) website before engaging with them.
Adam Profke says fraud cases such as the one alleged are rare. (ABC Gold Coast: Danielle Mahe)
But Master Builders Gold Coast regional manager Adam Profke said in some cases unlicensed operators circumvented the system by impersonating another builder or business to defraud people of their money.
“Unfortunately that does happen from time to time, but it is exceptionally rare,” he said.
“Every now and again you will have somebody who will do the wrong thing, but as an industry we work pretty hard to get rid of them.”
Under the QBCC Act, any individual found guilty of three or more unlicensed building-related offences may be subject to the maximum penalty of a fine of $58,415 or one year in jail.
Mr Stringer hoped authorities would crack down on dodgy operators and encouraged home owners to do their due diligence before hiring someone.
“Get some referrals before you hire anyone in the building industry — talk to friends and family and dot your i’s and cross your t’s before you sign anything,” he said.