ACT Commissioner for Fair Trading Derise Cubin has issued a Public Warning Notice about Shawn John Michelin (ABN 31 797 518 270) for possible contraventions of the Australian Consumer Law.
The warning was issued following allegations Mr Michelin accepted deposits and then failed to deliver on landscaping or carpentry works.
"Mr Michelin has allegedly accepted deposits ranging from $876 to $12,000 for quoted works that he has not delivered in any capacity," Ms Cubin said.
"After receiving a deposit from the consumer, Mr Michelin is alleged to have consistently missed scheduled appointments to begin the works before ceasing communications.
"It is also alleged he uses aliases such as 'Ben' or 'Troy' while engaging with some consumers. He has advertised works in the ACT and surrounding region under multiple business names, including 1Stop/Onestop Projects and Landscaping, Limited Projects and Earthworks, and most recently Aplus Construction or Elite Concrete."
These services are often posted from a business page to Facebook groups based in the Canberra region, as well as on Gumtree.com.au.
"This public warning is based on 12 complaints received by Access Canberra and the likelihood that further consumers will suffer harm," Ms Cubin said.
"I urge Canberrans to be vigilant if choosing to enter into any agreement with Mr Michelin and appeal to consumers to undertake their due diligence when entering into any contracts for similar services."
If consumers have any complaints in relation to Shawn John Michelin's alleged compliance with the Australian Consumer Law in the ACT, they should contact Access Canberra on 13 22 81 or make a complaint via the Access Canberra website.
