South Australia’s consumer watchdog has warned the public against doing business with an unlicensed builder soliciting for work around the state.

Acting Commissioner for Consumer Affairs Fraser W Stroud said Consumer and Business Services (CBS) has received a number of complaints about Joshua Jones trading as 111 Earthworks and Landscapes.

“Several consumers have told us that they’ve engaged this individual to do building work and paid substantial deposits,” he said.

“In at least two cases the work was never started, with another two complainants telling us that the work was both incomplete and substandard.

“These are often substantial amounts of money being paid for work that was either never started or will require significant remedial works.

“Based on the information we have received to date, I feel it is only proper to issue a public warning, as our investigations into this trader continue.”

Mr Stroud encouraged any consumers looking to hire a builder to check the CBS register to ensure they were licensed to do the job.

“An issue of concern is that this individual does not hold a valid builder’s licence,” he said.

“I cannot stress the importance of checking the register to ensure that the individual you’re dealing with is licensed to do the job you’re considering hiring them for.

“I would also urge any consumers who have dealt with this individual who have not contacted us already to do so on 131 882.”

The public warning against Joshua Jones is available on the CBS website.

To check if an individual is licensed, go to https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/business-and-trade/licensing/licence-check