- The Miles Government is warning consumers to avoid two traders currently operating in Queensland, following a spate of complaints.
- Public warnings have been issued for online motor parts seller Japam Pty Ltd and its owner Jason Murray
- Warning also issued for South East Queensland building company Cre8tive Construction Group Pty Ltd and its owner Brendan Hawxwell.
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is taking the unusual approach of warning consumers to avoid dealing with Brendan John Hawxwell and his company Cre8tive Construction Group Pty Ltd, after several Queenslanders claim they were ripped off by the tradie.
The OFT received multiple complaints from consumers who paid Mr Hawxwell for building services across Brisbane and the Gold Coast which he failed to provide, including retaining walls, fencing, and decking.
Mr Hawxwell also operates businesses called 'Brisbane Fencing and Decking', or 'Queensland Fencing and Decking'.
Consumers were required to make substantial payments upfront, with some deposits reaching up to 45 per cent of the value of the quote before work commenced. They are now substantially out of pocket.
One consumer paid $8,000 last year for a fence, keypad, pool fencing and two gates. The existing fence was removed and post holes were dug out. However, no materials were supplied and no further work occurred. No refund has been paid.
Another customer paid more than $20,000 to Mr Hawxwell but is yet to have the building work completed or receive a cent of their money back.
Mr Hawxwell and his company operate under business numbers ACN: 662 155 311 and ABN: 94 662 155 311. The company has now been placed in liquidation. Queensland Building and Construction Commission building licence numbers listed include:
- Cre8tive Construction Group Pty Ltd – licence number 15363039 (no longer active)
- Brendan John Hawxwell – licence number 15187567 (currently active)
Consumers should be aware there are several businesses operating in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria with similar names that are not linked to the public warning notice for Cre8tive Construction Group Pty Ltd and Brendan Hawxwell.
The OFT recommends checking the ACN or ABN to confirm which company you are dealing with.
Consumers should also watch out for social media accounts or websites created by Mr Hawxwell to attract new business. Recent reports state that he may be advertising his building services in northern NSW as well.
OFT is also advising consumers to avoid buying goods from online motor parts seller Japam Pty Ltd, as the OFT moves to take further action against the company and its owner Jason Murray.
Mr Murray has been operating Japam Pty Ltd ACN 656 929 305, mainly through eBay and Facebook, and has repeatedly failed to provide reconditioned engines bought by consumers, leaving them out of pocket.
The OFT is investigating a number of complaints about this trader including from consumers in other states who ordered engines and failed to receive them. They were given excuses for the delays, then promised a refund but eventually all communication stopped.
Mr Murray, along with his past company JP & KM Murray Pty Ltd (in liquidation), which traded as Brisbane Motor Imports, was previously convicted and penalised for similar conduct in April 2019. The OFT received further complaints which resulted in him being taken back to court in November 2021.
His new company Japam Pty Ltd was registered on 31 January 2022.
Consumers who have paid either trader for goods or services but have not received them should lodge a complaint with the OFT.
Complaints can be lodged online at www.qld.gov.au/fairtrading or by calling 13QGOV (13 74 68).
Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence, Yvette D'Ath:
"The Office of Fair Trading is looking into a series of very serious complaints about goods and services these traders have failed to provide after being paid considerable amounts of money by consumers.
"Unfortunately, we are seeing more and more dodgy traders operating through social media and online marketplaces such as eBay—they like to hide behind online profiles, taking your money before disappearing into the digital abyss.
"Our message to Queenslanders is simple: do your homework by checking reviews and a general internet search of the businesses you're looking to use.
"If something doesn't look or feel right, choose another trader to get your goods and services.
"We will continue to crack down on dodgy traders who are taking money from consumers and failing to supply."
