Dishonest Tradies (Theives and Ripped off)?

OzBoganYeah on 14/12/2017 - 22:36
Last edited 16/12/2017 - 11:33

16/12 There are a lot of people who are sceptical and don't believe me, that's ok. But there are a few here who think I'm trolling. I am not a troll and I've never trolled in my life. I would much rather read a book than troll or whatever you want to cal it. Also I'm not trying to scam RACV: I don't think anything of the items were covered by them. I do not make things up and lie to derive pleasure or gain attention (or anything else) from it. This is my limited experience with tradies and I posted it because I wanted to know if anyone else has had bad experiences with tradies (it was a suprise to me that a fair few have and have shared their stories below which I sppreciate). Obviously I'm not saying ALL tradies are bad, only the ones I've interacted with and has unfortunately left a bad taste in my mouth regarding tradies.

The idea that I need to even add this to an already long post is a bit ridiculous.

UPDATE 2: Called the police and spoke to a woman. Gave her as much information as I could and she said she'd look into it. (Quick edit I amended the part where it said I was watching him like a hawk, I wasn't. That was an auto-correct issue on my phone. I only watch him for 2 minutes)

UPDATE: 15/12, 8.07 am. I called RACV and the police about 30 minutes ago.
RACV home assist requires recorded video surveillance. Honestly, the lady I spoke (RACV) to on the phone gave me the impression that even if you see them yourself stealing things from your house, they won't believe you. She really hammered home about having recorded video of the tradie stealing things. She wasn't sympathetic at all and obviously didnt believe me. Now I wonder how many people put there have had things stolen by tradies, especially ones from RACV home assist. Perfect excuse to steal: given permission to enter home, it's an emergency so the home owner (me) is panicky and worrying about there being more damage, they can eyeball everything and make mental notes. First opportunity they get when they're not being watch is to poke around and steal things.

I called the police, 7 rings, no one answered. Will call again now.

Original post below (very long post and a lot is me being infuriated and ranting)

Hoping this is the right section to post in. A plumber stole from me, what do i do besides contact the police?
Anyone have experience with dishonest Tradies? Or had items stolen from them? I have. I'm BEYOND annoyed and angry right now.

Long post but here are my experiences, both happened recently.
Stolen Christmas and birthday gifts: So I had I had an emergency yesterday and called RACV home assist for help. Cut to the chase, a plumber came and went to fix it (flooding and was just an entire mess). I had bought secret birthday gifts and Christmas presents (not bragging but need to outline how expensive everything was): iPhone x, $2500 custom built laptop, rare not available for purchase anymore collectibles. And some heirloom jewelry (great grandparents adding rings in a box). These were hidden away in a cupboard in the same room the leak/emergency was. Jewellery was special and I moved it with the other presents.

I wasn't watching the plumber like a hawk because I was cleaning up the water and damage as best as I could. He stole all those gifts when I wasn't looking (not in the same room). I didn't even notice. They were in a cupboard a few meters away from the emergency/problem area.

Ripped off: This was last week, I needed a sparky (half the house had to no power) asap. I was recommended one from somebody from church (total stranger).They would come and quote on the day, seemed like a good idea. Long story cut short because this is so ridiculous I couldn't make this up;

  • Late more than TWO HOURS. Two hours and 20 minutes late, didn't call to inform me. I couldn't contact him because I didn't have his number. He never apologized for being late. I had to cancel (and re-schedule) my apeciailist docotor's appointment which I made 12 months prior.
  • Here for <15 minutes.
  • Changed one light switch and one outlet. Wouldn't even give me a quote for another light, as in 'ehats the worst case scenario and most expensive I'd have to pay? Rough estimate'. Wouldn't answer.
  • Another red flag. Wouldn't give me a receipt. I had to wait til Sunday (church) to get a receipt from his employer(?)
  • Guess how much all that was; one light switch (one button) and a wall outlet for less than 15 minutes of work)? $465. Seriously. That's one whole week's worth of pay for me (hospitality)
Home & Garden

Comments

        • OzBoganYeah on 18/12/2017 - 10:10

          To tell them that one of their employees stole from me? And yes I did call the police.

  • lainey13 on 15/12/2017 - 22:21
    +3

    I had a plumber steal my Sheridan face washer. I learnt that lesson the cheap way.

  • lilkid28 on 15/12/2017 - 22:41

    Surprised no one has suggested to call the bikies.

    • htc on 15/12/2017 - 23:03

      may be people are no longer interested in bikies, or perhaps suggesting bikies wouldn't help anyway as I doubt anyone will actually call them or even know where to find them, or even if they found them, how will they do a deal with them? better call the police. Or read ozbargain forum before undertaking, this post really helped, I was about to call tradies for kitchen renovation, I need to be more careful who to call. Anyone used the Hi app to hire tradies? Is it good?

    • ankor on 16/12/2017 - 19:18

      maybe cos the tradie IS the bikie.

  • KozieSeller on 15/12/2017 - 23:13

    This might be slightly off-topic, but I didn't get much of a read on the David Jones incident https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/348887 which if u click it was removed due to quote 'Reason: Too many shit comments'. Was it really that bad, What crap was actually going on ?

    KozieSeller on 15/12/2017 - 23:13 (Collapsed - Offtopic. Show)
    • payton on 15/12/2017 - 23:41
      -2

      more likely: too many reports from prudes and snowflake brigade, so we'll just close the thread.

    • [Deactivated] on 17/12/2017 - 12:26

      It was a topic about "youths" bum-rushing a store and stealing shit.

      Discussing this phenomenon triggered everyone. I didn't think the comments were that bad. It was probably just deemed to politically incorrect.

  • payton on 15/12/2017 - 23:43
    +6

    Your story really has too many logic holes .. it doesn't add up.

    • OzBoganYeah on 16/12/2017 - 11:08

      What are they? It's ok if you don't believe me.

      • Quantumcat on 16/12/2017 - 14:40

        That you would spend that much on gifts when you really need it for your living expenses given your income, and that the tradie had time to both find the stuff, form a plan, and get it out of your house in a matter of minutes

        • OzBoganYeah on 17/12/2017 - 12:01

          A lot of people spend beyond their means, a lot of people own credit cards. I decided to splurge this year on gifts, am I not allowed to do that? Would you ask somebody why they would buy a $300,000 yacht if they had a mortgage to pay on their home? Probably not face to face to a total stranger. Millions of people buy iphones each year: do they really need the iphone when they could buy any kind of other phone which would be much cheaper, but they don't.

          My point being is people like to own nice things, whether they can afford it or not.

        • Quantumcat on 17/12/2017 - 17:28

          @OzBoganYeah: how much disposable income do you have per week? Someone above said you earned $400 a week. If your essential living expenses are only $200 (maybe you live in a share house and walk everywhere) then saving up say $5,000-$10,000 for gifts would take you six months to a year. That's six months without doing anything for yourself, no eating out, no movies, no fun random crap from gearbest, no bus tickets, no emergencies, no travel, no new clothes. I can't see anyone subjecting themselves to that just for fancy gifts. I earn twice as much and I would rarely give a gift worth more than $100

        • OzBoganYeah on 18/12/2017 - 10:17

          I can't tell if you're serious or not because there have been trolls replying, but this is the last time I will respond to you. I live with my husband and he also works and I have recently gone back to work. It's taken me a very long time (several years) to save up enough money to splurge and buy these types of items. DO you ask how people save up to buy cars or houses? I saved a bit each week and was able to purchase the gifts. I had a different job prior to my hospitality job (no I will not tell you what it was, as it is irrelevant). If you don't believe me, that is ok. I am not seeking anybody's approval.

  • Bigburper on 16/12/2017 - 01:33

    I BEFORE E, EXCEPT AFTER C

    • idonotknowwhy on 16/12/2017 - 06:59
      +7

      • foreign

      • height

      • leisure

      • weird

      • protein

      • seize

    • OzBoganYeah on 16/12/2017 - 11:07

      I know, it was an autocorrect issue with my phone and the fact that I was annoyed and tired (posted when it was nearly midnight). If you read the OP it has a few other errors/typos as well.

  • AG_ACT on 16/12/2017 - 07:09

    Really disappointing this is happening to you. I’m going through something similar with a joinery company at the moment. In case anyone has any advice, here’s some details

    We put an ad up on hipages. He came out and gave us a quote in late September all the way from Wodonga to Canberra. This did send of alarm bells but he seemed like a really nice guy starting out his own business, he had a Facebook page with ads all over it, he was on Canberra buy and sell pages, his whole truck has proper sign writing etc. So stupidly we said ok and paid 50% deposit
    Now he was not pick up his phone. After ringing him repeatedly (say 75-80) times he sends a message saying he is busy with other jobs and is waiting on parts….they were supposed to be here yesterday but still nothing. I asked him to come and install what he does have; no response.

    Here is what I have done so far:
    Called him repeatedly - still can’t speak to him
    Tried posting on his Facebook - nothing rude mind you- just please call me- he blocked me
    Called a business near his address and requested them to check if a workshop actually exists at this address
    Tried speaking to hipages

    Anyone have any other suggestions?

    • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 16/12/2017 - 08:52
      +2

      Create your own post?

    • OzBoganYeah on 16/12/2017 - 11:06

      Nice to know I'm not the only one who's had less than good experiences with tradies. I hope you are able to work out your issue.

    • harley on 16/12/2017 - 13:57

      Send him a letter of demand then, or straight, to small claims tribunal.

      • AG_ACT on 16/12/2017 - 19:56

        Stupidly I don't have an address; hence why I have contacted the neighbouring business.

        • harley on 16/12/2017 - 23:41

          Too bad you're not suppose to do an electoral roll search for the purpose of finding an address… if you're in luck and he has property, a titles search (assuming you know his real full name) or if he owns a business, an abn or acn search. You need to decide whether to sue him and/or the company depending on how he set up his business etc. Other than that, out of suggestions other than a private investigator. Might want to try your nearest community legal centre for some further free advice.

        • AG_ACT on 17/12/2017 - 12:10

          @harley:

          Thank you very much. Hipages said they would get back to me early next week. ill see how that goes first. Thanks again

        • harley on 17/12/2017 - 12:30

          @AG_ACT: no worries. All the best!

  • whooah1979 on 16/12/2017 - 07:42
    +2

    Op, you keep changing your story. It makes it difficult for us to believe you let alone your insurer.

    • OzBoganYeah on 16/12/2017 - 11:03

      What part am I "changing"? I just said they didn't believe me (the tone of their voice) and the fact that they insisted on having recorded video which I said was understandable.

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 16/12/2017 - 08:51
    +1

    How do we know that YOU didn't steal the presents OP? Prove it.

    (..that's how logic and the law works on the internet yeah?)

    • tryagain on 16/12/2017 - 10:48

      I'd settle for proof that they existed in the first place, that is the way the law works in the real world.

      • OzBoganYeah on 17/12/2017 - 11:54

        I'd prefer not to post any private information that may identify me or my family.

  • tryagain on 16/12/2017 - 13:14
    +1

    OP, in regards to the electrician, I'd ask politely ask the employer is $465 the correct amount as it seems a bit expensive for 15 mins, but I'd be surprised if an electrician could come to your house, troubleshoot what the problem was, and replace a light switch and an outlet, all in under 15 mins.

    • OzBoganYeah on 16/12/2017 - 16:15

      Would you consider $465 excessive for the replacement of one switch and one outlet? I certainly do. Even though the electrician did, in my opinion, rip me off big time, he was quick: he came in, tested the outlet and I told him about the switch and he tested it too, went outside to turn off the electricity and grab the equipment and replacement items he needed, came back in and did the job and left. The switch and outlet were in the same room.

      Nothing else, I asked for a rough for a different light and he shook his head. He wouldn't give me a receipt, I had to wait a few days to go to church to get one from his employer.

      • tryagain on 17/12/2017 - 13:40

        Would you consider $465 excessive for the replacement of one switch and one outlet?

        If it only took 15 mins and is a standard type switche/socket, then yes, if it's a high end switch then maybe not depending on the switch/socket supplied.

        • OzBoganYeah on 18/12/2017 - 10:20

          No it's not a high end switch or outlet, it's a basic one your average joe could buy from Bunnings. As from another poster, they said it should've been <$150.

  • bhm133 on 16/12/2017 - 13:31

    Ignore the trolls. Take the positive advice from this thread only.

    Sorry to hear about what happened. Crappy.

  • Michael15286 on 16/12/2017 - 18:08

    While the facts seems a bit off, I do believe you're genuine. I hope things resolve themselves for the best, perhaps call up RACQ and ask for the full name of the tradie who worked your job.

    • OzBoganYeah on 17/12/2017 - 11:53

      This is genuine, I wouldn't waste my time posting this if it didn't happen. I did call them up and requested their name. The lady I spoke to wouldn't give it which I thought was a bit weird, I think it's because I didn't have recorded video of him stealing the items (I'm guessing). I don't know, it was a long and odd phone call.

  • SteveG612 on 16/12/2017 - 18:18
    +2

    Hello,

    The iPhone X is what Apple calls a 'Serialized' product - one that requires devices to be authorised/activated at the time of purchase. This is what makes it effectively impossible to hijack a shipment or steal from an Apple store - if it doesn't go through a point of sale, all you've got is a lump of useless metal in a box when you get home. All their major products fall into this category (iPhone, iPad, etc) - they also cannot be sold at all without collecting the purchasers email address and other information - even if you buy them from somewhere else like JB Hifi (its part of the deal when you become a seller).

    What this means is, somewhere in your inbox - you have the serial numbers / IEMI of the iPhone you purchased, and even if you deleted it you can also get the store to re-issue your receipt to prove purchase. Also, given the price of the other items - if you purchased them on a credit card, this information, the police crime reference number, and the details of the person(s) who allegedly stole the goods is essentially all you need to make any claims. You will also likely be asked to report the device stolen to Apple, who will be able to prevent the device from being used at all (It'll never be able to be used with iCloud, App Store, iTunes or most computers, and likely never able to be factory reset ever again - effectively its' a brick).

    If you have issues with obtaining these serial numbers for any reason, this strongly indicates something fishy….. You'd not be the first person to feign outrage on the internet for something that might never have happened.

    • OzBoganYeah on 17/12/2017 - 11:49

      Hi and thank you for your detailed response, I really appreciate it :) I will check my email and see if I can find it.

  • JajaMinx on 17/12/2017 - 00:57

    This story has so many holes… OP made it sound like the tradie knew exactly where to find her “gifts”.

    Where are the receipts?
    If you bought the phone online then where’s the chat log and correspondence to prove a trade really took place?

    Home contents cover portable devices…

    • OzBoganYeah on 17/12/2017 - 11:47

      As I've mentioned in other comments, the receipts were with the items, inside a big plastic bag and i covered it. The items were located in the same room, near to where the emergency was. There's no chat log as I didn't talk to anybody when purchasing the gifts, except for ordering the laptop. You you expect me to provide a copy of th chat log for it on a public forum with personal details, you'l be waiting, because I'm not going to do that.

  • Bluberry on 17/12/2017 - 01:00

    This is why we should all get guns.

    BIG GUNS

  • Ughhh on 17/12/2017 - 11:57

    If a particular room will be accessed by a stranger/guest, then move all valuable items out of that room.

    Any accusation you make and expect to be dealt with professionally and/or legally, will require evidence.

  • oaks101 on 17/12/2017 - 12:59
    +1

    Sparky's rates seem bang on. Asking for a receipt would also have added to the cost.

    Also you see to be able to buy a fair amount of expensive items on those hospitality wages.

    • OzBoganYeah on 18/12/2017 - 10:23

      As I've mentioned before, another poster said it should've cost less than $150, so yes I got ripped off. If you've read some of my other comments I've clarified how I could afford those expensive items.

  • dufchips on 17/12/2017 - 15:57

    Better call A Current Afair! Sounds like another episode of Dodegy Tradies - A True Aussie Scandal

  • jm48 on 20/12/2017 - 13:05

    So you

    had to cancel (and re-schedule) my apeciailist docotor's appointment which I made 12 months prior.

    for

    one light switch (one button) and a wall outlet for less than 15 minutes of work

    Are you serious ?

    • OzBoganYeah on 20/12/2017 - 17:26

      Yes I am serious. Half the house lost power and I didn't expect him to be over two hours late. Granted I called to cancel when he was over an hour and a half late. I've certainly learnt my lesson.

      • jm48 on 20/12/2017 - 18:38

        To be honest, I would have gone to the specialist appointment and cancelled the tradie, since he was late.
        I agree a few tradies are dodgy.
        Someone in my street had major renovations done, and where then burgled 3 times within 6 months, never having been burgled before that.
        Not just a coincidence IMO.

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