Trevor James Potter: Tradie issued warning by Consumer Protection accused of stealing and not finishing works

A serial fraudster tradie has again been accused of ripping off WA homeowners by taking their deposits without delivering the work or issuing refunds.

Warnbro man Trevor James Potter, trading as Ritefix Property Services, has racked up 15 new complaints over allegations that he accepted payment for services including fencing, paving, pergola repairs and guttering that were never delivered.

He allegedly owes more than $20,000 for the undelivered work.

In some cases, partial refunds were issued or materials were supplied but none of the work was completed by Mr Potter.

It is the third time Consumer Protection has issued an official warning about the dodgy landscaper since 2018.

Mr Potter uses aliases, often going by his middle name James, and has previously operated under business names Teejays Property Works, Bluesky Worx, Liven Your Landscape and Trevor’s Landscape Services.

In 2021, he pleaded guilty to 35 counts of stealing after scamming 35 people to the tune of $61,000.

A 2020 warning from Consumer Protection recommended “consumers avoid dealing with him (Mr Potter)“.

On Wednesday, Consumer Protection Commissioner Trish Blake issued similar advice.

“Given the number of complaints received and the amounts allegedly outstanding, we encourage consumers to exercise caution and make thorough checks before engaging Mr Potter or any tradesperson,” she said.

“Word of mouth remains one of the most reliable ways to find trustworthy tradies — ask neighbours, friends and family for recommendations.”

A person who breaches Australian Consumer Law by wrongly accepting payment and failing to supply the services in a reasonable timeframe can face a maximum civil penalty of $2.5 million per contravention.

Consumer Protection is urging anyone who has had “unsatisfactory dealings” with Mr Potter to lodge a complaint online or call 1300 30 40 54.