A builder in Melbourne named Hiep T Phung has been accused of scamming people out of money for home renovations that were never completed. Zane and Melody Ralph, one of the victims, paid Mr. Phung $9,000 for renovations that were left unfinished, leaving their home in disarray. Another victim, Abdul Ali Ghafoori, paid $19,400 for work that was never delivered, including an additional $4000 that was mistakenly transferred to Mr. Phung.
Mr. Ghafoori reported Mr. Phung to the police multiple times but was dismissed and referred to VCAT. Robyn Barrie, another victim, was scammed out of $5000 by Mr. Phung and was told by the police that they couldn’t help. Despite these accusations, Mr. Phung claimed that he was not a thief and blamed personal issues for his inability to complete the work.
Many others have shared similar stories about Mr. Phung on social media, indicating that he has scammed multiple people. The stress of dealing with incomplete renovations has taken a toll on the victims, leaving them frustrated and out of pocket. Mr. Phung has promised to complete the work he started but has not followed through, leaving the victims in limbo.
It is essential to be cautious when hiring builders or contractors to avoid falling victim to scams like these. Researching the company, reading reviews, and asking for references can help prevent situations like the one experienced by the Ralph family and others. If you suspect that you are being scammed, report it to the authorities immediately to prevent further financial loss.
