Consumer Protection is warning South West home owners about a Bunbury tradesman's dodgy dealings.
Blake Ball, owner and operator of Bunbury based Balls Walls Construction, has been done for accepting large deposits on building projects- and failing to turn up.
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Mr Ball accepted deposits from eight customers between August 2014 and July 2016, and either partially completed or did not finish the work.
Consumer Protection said Mr Ball had swindled customers out of $14,235 in deposits for shoddy work on limestone walls, fencing and paving, and he had failed to offer refunds.
Acting Commissioner for Consumer Protection David Hillyard said Mr Ball had not made any attempt to commence or complete the work, and had been dodging Consumer Protection.
"Mr Ball has failed to cooperate with attempts by Consumer Protection to resolve these issues. He has been contacted on numerous occasions but promises he has made have proven to be empty ones," he said.
Consumer Protection has warned Bunbury residents against dealing with Mr Ball after it became clear he was still attempting to work in the area.
"Mr Ball had previously advertised his services on Gumtree, and has recently placed his business card in the letterboxes of Eaton residents, which concerns us greatly," Mr Hillyard said.
Consumers have been warned against paying large deposits on building works, with Mr Ball typically asking his clients for 50 per cent of the total quote.
"Our recommendation is to pay no more than 10 per cent up front and then only make progress payments as work is completed to your satisfaction.
"Building contracts for amounts over $7,500 are covered by the Home Building Contracts Act and deposits must never exceed 6.5 per cent of the contract price."