April 4, 2024
The Office of Fair Trading has taken the unusual step of warning consumers to avoid dealing with two unrelated businesses … a south-east Queensland builder and an online motor parts seller.
An OFT spokesperson said several Queenslanders have alleged they have been ripped off by Brendan John Hawxwell and his company Cre8tive Construction Group Pty Ltd.
The OFT has received multiple complaints from people who paid Mr Hawxwell for building services across Brisbane and the Gold Coast which he allegedly failed to provide, including retaining walls, fencing, and decking.
Mr Hawxwell and his company operate under business numbers ACN 662 155 311 and ABN 94 662 155 311.
The company has now been placed in liquidation.
Queensland Building and Construction Commission building licence numbers listed include:
- Cre8tive Construction Group Pty Ltd – licence number 15363039 (no longer active)
- Brendan John Hawxwell – licence number 15187567 (currently active)
Mr Hawxwell, who was featured on A Current Affair several months ago, also operates businesses called “Brisbane Fencing and Decking” or “Queensland Fencing and Decking”.
The spokesperson said consumers should be aware there were several businesses operating in Queensland, NSW and Victoria with similar names which were not linked to the public warning notice for Cre8tive Construction Group Pty Ltd and Brendan Hawxwell.
The OFT has recommended people check ACN or ABN numbers to confirm which company they were dealing with.
Consumers should also watch out for social media accounts or websites created by Mr Hawxwell to attract new business.
OFT is also advising consumers to avoid buying goods from online motor parts seller Japam Pty Ltd, as the OFT moves to take further action against the company and its owner Jason Murray.
Mr Murray has been operating Japam Pty Ltd (ACN 656 929 305) mainly through eBay and Facebook, and has allegedly repeatedly failed to provide reconditioned engines bought by consumers, leaving them out of pocket.
Mr Murray, along with his past company JP & KM Murray Pty Ltd (in liquidation), which traded as Brisbane Motor Imports, was previously convicted and penalised for similar conduct in April 2019.
The OFT received further complaints which resulted in him being taken back to court in November 2021.
His new company Japam Pty Ltd was registered on January 31, 2022.
Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath said the OFT was looking into the very serious complaints.
“Unfortunately, we are seeing more and more dodgy traders operating through social media and online marketplaces such as eBay,” she said.
“They like to hide behind online profiles, taking your money before disappearing into the digital abyss.
“Our message to Queenslanders is simple: do your homework by checking reviews and a general internet search of the businesses you’re looking to use.
“If something doesn’t look or feel right, choose another trader to get your goods and services.
“We will continue to crack down on dodgy traders who are taking money from consumers and failing to supply.”
