A 26-year-old Coombs man has been charged with 26 fraud offences after allegedly defrauding more than $40,000 from multiple Canberrans through fake construction scams.
Police will allege the man set up social media profiles for building and landscape businesses before providing quotes and receiving deposits for work to be conducted
It will be alleged no construction work was ever commenced and at no time was he qualified to complete the work he promised the victims.
Police are aware of up to 22 victims in the ACT who have allegedly interacted with the man since July 2023, with 9 victims having provided statements to police.
Yesterday, Wednesday 19 November, police attended a Coombs home and arrested the 26-year-old man. He has been charged with 26 counts of obtain property by deception and faced the ACT Magistrates Court today, Thursday 19 November, where bail was refused.
In April this year, the ACT Commissioner for Fair Trading issued a public warning following allegations the man accepted deposits and then failed to deliver on landscaping or carpentry works.
For more information on choosing licenced tradespeople, visit Access Canberra.
Anyone who believes they are a victim or with information in relation to this scam is urged to contact Crime Stoppers via the Crime Stoppers ACT website or attending your local police station. Please quote 8042659.
