Fair Trading has issued a warning for a man who has been advertising landscaping and carpentry work in the ACT region. Photo: Region.
A public warning has been issued for a tradesman operating in the ACT region after several residents allegedly lost their deposits for works that were never delivered.
The ACT Commissioner for Fair Trading Derise Cubin took the unusual step of issuing a public warning for Shawn John Michelin on Tuesday (16 April).
“Mr Michelin has allegedly accepted deposits ranging from $876 to $12,000 for quoted works that he has not delivered in any capacity,” she said.
“Allegedly, after receiving a deposit from the consumer, Mr Michelin consistently missed scheduled appointments to begin the works before ultimately ceasing communications with the consumer.”
Ms Cubin said Mr Michelin had been advertising landscaping and carpentry works in the ACT and surrounding region under multiple business names.
These business names include 1Stop/Onestop Projects and Landscaping, Limited Projects and Earthworks and, most recently, Aplus Construction or Elite Concrete.
“Mr Michelin often advertises these services by posting from a business page to Facebook groups based in the Canberra region, or occasionally on Gumtree.com.au,” she said.
It is alleged he used names like ‘Ben’ or ‘Troy’ while engaging with some consumers.
Also, it is alleged that after consumers asked for refunds of their deposit from Mr Michelin, he agreed to provide it but then failed to do so.
Ms Cubin said that after Access Canberra received 12 consumer complaints, she had “reasonable grounds” to suspect it was possible that Mr Michelin may have contravened Australian Consumer Law (ACL).
“I am satisfied that one or more persons has suffered detriment as a result of Shawn John Michelin’s conduct, and it is in the public interest to issue this public warning notice,” Ms Cubin alleged.
“I issue this public warning notice using my powers under section 223 of the ACL and warn the public about the alleged conduct of Shawn John Michelin mentioned above.
“I urge the people of the ACT to exercise due diligence before entering into any agreement or contract for work with Shawn John Michelin.”
The ACT Commissioner for Fair Trading has only released three public warnings, including this one for Mr Michelin, since 2018.
Mr Michelin’s ABN is 31 797 518 270.
If consumers have any complaints about his conduct, they should contact Access Canberra.
Original Article published by Albert McKnight on Region Canberra.
