Tradies fix roof for free after scam

Frank Collins fell victim to a roofing scam two months ago, leaving him with a hole in his roof and $70,000 out of pocket.

The 70-year-old told A Current Affair a pair of unlicensed tradies knocked on his door claiming to be roofers.

“He said he was working across the road and they’d seen that my roof needed attention,” Frank said.

The father-son duo from Ireland, John Joseph Junior and John James Senior, handed Frank a flyer, offering to fix his shed and main roof.

The dodgy tradies quoted Frank $84,000 and arranged for him to transfer $15,000 daily.

But after a week of work, Frank noticed red flags and told the men to stop working.

He was then sent a link to a website claiming the duo had scammed several home owners using different business names.

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“My heart dropped when I saw the photos, realised it was them, and then I realised I’d been done.”

After airing Frank’s story, A Current Affair’s email inbox became inundated with tradies wanting to help.

“I was disgusted at what I saw on TV,” said Julian Dirou from All Roofing Services.

“I thought, we’re close (in location), so I can probably do something about that.”

Julian visited Frank’s house and discovered the roof needed a full refurbishment.

“Nothing had been done correctly, obviously unlicensed work, obviously unqualified, (the roof scammers) didn’t know what they were doing,” Julian said.

Julian reached out to a few other businesses and they were all happy to help fix Frank’s roof for free.

“When we heard the story, I don’t think it was even a question,” said Greg Bartlett from EME Roofing.

“I think it was wise of (Frank) to reach out.

“People don’t want to speak about these things, but there are people out there who want to help them out.”

Roofing Supermarket donated all supplies.

Suppliers included All Roofing Services, EME Roofing, Prompt Scaffold, Serve Group, Sydney Wide Plastering and Light Up Electrical.