South Australians are being warned to steer clear of a shutter business after the consumer watchdog revealed it had failed to refund customers thousands of dollars for work that was never done. Consumer and Business Services said it was investigating Sam Branco of Mates Rates Shutters and Blinds following numerous customer complaints. Commissioner for Consumer Affairs Martyn Campbell said customers reported being owed “significant amounts of money for work that never progressed”.
Campbell alleged Branco had gone door-to-door soliciting business while being unlicensed to do the work. “Not only is Mr Branco unlicensed for this type of work, but the contracts he is entering into don’t appear to comply with the protections under the Australian Consumer Law that apply to unsolicited consumer contracts,” Campbell said. “CBS is treating these allegations seriously and actively investigating the matters raised and will take appropriate action,” he said.