Elderly Gold Coast residents targeted by scamming tradies

Gold Coast's elderly homeowners are being targeted by fraudulent tradesmen who are charging exorbitant costs for simple jobs around the house.

According to a News Limited report, several elderly Gold Coast residents have been left out of pocket by unlicensed contractors carrying out straightforward tasks for outrageous fees.

One Southport resident said her father had been charged $200 to paint a window ledge - just one of many victims, officials say.

Mike Davis, a Gold Coast tradie, said the unlicensed tradesmen often carried out poor quality work that often requires the services of a professional to rectify.

"It is disgusting how they target the elderly. I hear about it happening all the time, "Mr Davis explained.

"People need to be careful. I often get calls from people asking me to fix the flawed work of someone who has disappeared with thousands of dollars for work which is sub-standard and in some cases is dangerous."

After a recent spate of conmen tradies scamming Victorian households, Consumer Affairs Victoria (CAV) urged homeowners to be vigilant when handing over cash to tradesmen.

Checking tradies' ABN numbers, as well as business contact details is the best way to ensure you are dealing with a licensed professional. Reputable tradespeople should also be able to provide you with a quote and previous references.