Police warn of gardening and arborist scam

ACT Policing is warning Canberrans of a current scam where people are claiming to be arborists or gardeners and then seeking payment for work not requested or authorised.  

Police have received recent reports of groups of workers (generally of Pacific Islander appearance) trimming trees or vegetation on properties and then demanding payment from the residents. In some cases they speak with the resident first, incorrectly advising they have been asked by Evo Energy or the ACT Government to conduct the work.  

In one instance, the group re-targeted an elderly woman over several days, taking her to a bank daily so she could withdraw more money to pay them. 

The group may be driving a black utility with a silver tray and have been targeting residents across Canberra. 

ACT Policing is investigating this group and is calling on the community to be aware of this scam.  

People are also asked to reach out to elderly or vulnerable neighbours, friends and family members, especially if they live alone, and make them aware of the scam. 

Scammers will often re-target victims knowing that they can get more money out of them. 

If you are unexpectedly approached by people who can provide no identification and are aggressive or demanding, and you feel unsafe, do not provide any personal details and contact police on 131 444 or Triple Zero (000) in an emergency. 

For more information about scams, visit www.scamwatch.gov.au or call 1300 795 995. If you’ve been defrauded by this group, you can report it to ACT Policing on 131 444. 

Evo Energy provides a list of accredited arborists on its website.  

MEDIA ENQUIRIES  

POLICE MEDIA — (02) 5126 9070,  act-police-media@afp.gov.au