Tree lopper scam warnings in Victoria

Victorians have been officially warned by Consumer Affairs about a tree lopping scam in the region.

Reports have been received by Consumer Affairs about people who are working the eastern suburbs, door-knocking to find jobs that they then fail to finish or do not perform to a decent standard.

"Some people who have contacted us have alleged that tree loppers have damaged property and intimidated them into paying for sub-standard or unfinished work," said Heidi Victoria, minister for consumer affairs Victoria.

The issues have been cropping up primarily in Bayswater North, Ferntree Gully and Croydon, and the elderly in particular are considered to be most at risk from the scam.

If you're concerned for an elderly family member or friend in the area, one idea may be to nip the problem in the bud and offer to do tree-lopping yourself or hire a professional to do the work.

There's plenty of equipment available to rent from Kennards centres such as a chainsaw hire so you can get the job done, and if anyone comes knocking who seems suspicious, be sure to report the matter to the authorities.