caravan

 

 

February 2018
 

 


Bankrupt 'lured unsuspecting consumers'

Home detention for rogue RV converter
who failed to deliver finished products

Minister Matt Kean
Mr Kean: warning
Have your say

A ROGUE businessman who converted vehicles into RVs but failed to deliver finished products has been sentenced to home detention.

Brett Maxwell Smith, 53, director of Stargazer Motorhome Conversions received the 15-month punishment after taking more than $165,000 to build motorhomes that were never handed over to the customers.

Parramatta Local Court found Mr Smith had breached a good behaviour bond he was on for an unrelated larceny offence and, to make matters worse, he was declared bankrupt in July 2015.

"Despite his history of bankruptcy and being on a good behaviour bond, Smith continued to lure in unsuspecting consumers," NSW Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said.

Mr Smith, who operated out of Heatherbrae and Medowie in NSW, admitted obtaining a benefit by deception, failing to supply services and accepting money while he was bankrupt.

Mr Kean said the businessman had quoted consumers tens of thousands of dollars to convert their vehicles to recreational style, full-kitted motorhomes.


'This shonk blatantly ripped off consumers'
"This shonk blatantly ripped off consumers by taking their hard-earned money and failing to provide a finished product," he said.

"One poor customer had paid more than $90,000 for the motorhome conversion of a bus.

"But after frustrating delays and dodgy unfinished work the owner had to have it towed to another company and fork out another $80,000 to get the job done.

"Despite his history of bankruptcy and being on a good behaviour bond, Smith continued to lure in unsuspecting consumers," Mr Kean said.

He warned consumers to be wary if asked for large upfront deposits and to be sure to view progress before making any additional progress payments.

Mr Smith has the right to lodge an appeal.

His company boasted in one business directory listing: "Our incomparable services with the dedication and compassion towards marinating best customer satisfaction are the talking point of our success.

"Within a short span of time, we have developed a huge customer base and most of them are repeat customers and referrals.

"Our experience and creativity has positioned us one of the top service provider in Australia."

BACK TO CARAVANNING NEWS MAIN PAGE

 No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without
the prior written permission of Dennis Amor.

Copyright 2005 Dennis Amor
All Rights Reserved

Pacific West advert

Caravan Council of Australia advert

Kingaroy Choofer advert

Sample advert