- Employers scammed by rogue plumber
- An unlicensed plumber tricked customers into paying him thousands of pounds
- Do you know more? Email: lucy.manly@mailonline.com
In a smiling photo, charismatic plumber Duanne Hevers from Western Sydney holds up his prize: an exercise and a certificate naming him ‘Master Plumbers Indigenous Apprentice of the Year’.
There’s only one problem. Duanne, 24, is not and never has been a licensed plumber, according to the NSW Fair Trading Commissioner – who has warned Australians: ‘Don’t do business with Duanne Hevers‘.
Hevers’ former bosses and clients across Sydney have spoken out to Daily Mail Australia about the alleged ‘fake trade’, as authorities raise the alarm that Hevers ‘may be attempting to trade without a licence’.
Alleged victims have claimed to Fair Trading that Hevers preys on housing development work that requires a permit, then makes ‘false and misleading statements to extract money from them’.
Text messages obtained by Daily Mail Australia show the wannabe plumber harassed a former customer for money for months – and at one point even “dared to take further action” if he didn’t get paid.
“I have asked you several times to collect my personal belongings and complete my payment… If it is not resolved by 8pm I will take further action,” one text reads.
Duanne Hevers is the subject of a public warning from NSW Fair Trading. Above he holds his Master Plumbers Apprentice of the Year Award
Duanne harassed an ex-employer for his assets after he was released, demanding he complete his wages or face ‘further action’
‘Hello mate, normally I wouldn’t do this and my apologies for any inconvenience (sic), but I need to order some supplies for the concrete slabs and such for Monday. Is there any chance you can please pay/transfer $950 ASAP so I can continue the work,” reads another.
Another message to the same customer requested an urgent transaction of $980 for an alleged order of tanks and pumps, before sharing his personal banking details.
‘I need to make sure you pay a deposit via bank transfer of $980 as soon as possible just to cover the cost of materials. That is much appreciated, thank you very much and we will see you tomorrow.’
Hevers’ former bosses have leveled a slew of accusations against him, with some claiming they and their clients made tens of thousands of dollars out of their own pockets.
Daily Mail Australia approached Hevers for comment with detailed questions but received no response.
Duanne was last spotted by a disgruntled ex-employer at a West Tigers game in April
NSW Fair Trading is concerned that plumber Duanne Hevers from western Sydney (photo second left) may want to trade without a license
In March, the NSW Fair Trading Commissioner, Ms Natasha Mann, warned consumers not to do business with Hevers, who was trading unlicensed in NSW under the business name Fairwater Plumbing.
‘Based on consumer complaints, NSW Fair Trading is concerned that Mr Hevers may wish to trade without a licence,’
‘Consumers have complained that Mr Hevers is carrying out residential building work that requires a permit and making false and misleading statements to extract money from them.’
According to sources, Hevers had recently advertised his plumbing services on community pages and online marketplace Airtasker.
In NSW, a permit is required for all specialist work such as electrical, plumbing and air conditioning, regardless of cost.
Furthermore, a permit is required for all other residential work valued at more than $5,000.