NSW Fair Trading is warning consumers not to deal with unlicensed contractor Anthony Francis who is believed to be operating in the Hills district of Sydney.
NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann said complaints indicate that Mr Francis seeks residential concreting work and has now moved on to fencing.
"Consumers complain that after contracting for the work and accepting payment, he leaves the work incomplete or does not do any work at all, then keeps their money," Ms Mann said.
"Mr Francis does not hold a current NSW contractor licence. Based on complaints received from consumers, Fair Trading is concerned he may be seeking to trade without a licence."
Fair Trading will investigate further complaints about Mr Francis which were lodged this week.
As a result of consumer complaints received, Fair Trading has charged Mr Francis with 14 offences under the Home Building Act 1989 alleging that he contracted to do residential building work without a licence, sought residential building work when unlicensed, did unlicensed building work, received more than 10 per cent of the contract price as a deposit before starting residential building work and received payments for building work without first having obtained the appropriate home warranty insurance.
Mr Francis has also been charged with two offences under the Australian Consumer Law in relation to allegations he accepted payment for goods and failed to provide the goods within a reasonable time. He is next due to appear before Parramatta Local Court for mention on 29 April.
Mr Francis is also known as Tony Francis and Anton Francis who has traded in NSW under the business names Steel Bond Group, Hills District Fencing, Hills District Fencing and Gates NSW.
Mr Francis was the subject of a previous public warning in September 2018.
Anyone who is concerned about their dealings with Mr Francis and his association to any trading names, or has information about his continued operation, should contact NSW Fair Trading on 13 32 20 or via its website at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au.
