Submitted by daniel on Sun, 15/03/2026 - 21:02 Picture Image Description Residents struggling with the aftermath of January's major grassfire south of Ballarat have been hit with a new blow. Subscribe now for unlimited access. or signup to continue reading BUY 6 MTHS / GET 6 FREE All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper Crosswords, Sudoku and Trivia All other in your area Authorities have received reports about fake tradies who are scamming vulnerable people around Streatham, Skipton and Carranballac, as well as other fire-affected parts of Victoria. Sixteen homes, including one belonging to a family of four, and countless sheds and outbuildings were destroyed on January 9 when a fast-moving grassfire tore through 20,000 hectares between Carranballac and Skipton. Emergency services around Skipton and Streatham on January 9 when a fast-moving grassfire destroyed 16 homes and other sheds and outbuildings. Picture by Kate Healy Consumer Affairs Victoria has since received numerous reports of bushfire victims paying for shoddy work, or work that is not delivered, as dodgy operators take advantage of vulnerable people. "Homeowners should be aware of these dodgy tradies - if an interaction with a tradie doesn't feel right, it's probably not," said Consumer Affairs Victoria director Nicole Rich. "Be wary of tradies who approach you at home or online, and pressure you to accept their offer or pay cash upfront - they will end up costing you financially and emotionally." In one case, a homeowner whose house was damaged in the fires paid a fake tradie $6000 in advance, for work that was never completed. The tradie provided an ABN but the homeowner did not check if it was legitimate. Not only do bushfire victims have to watch out for dodgy tradies, but they have also been warned to be on the lookout for "professionals" claiming they can get an increased insurance payout in return for a large commission. Ms Rich said homeowners should ask for and double-check full names, registration or licence details of tradespeople, seek more than one written quote for works, ask for contact details of previous clients to check references, and watch out for 'red flags' like today-only deals, refusal to provide a written quote or payment demanded in advance of work. Sixteen homes were destroyed in the fire that ravaged Streatham, Skipton, Carranballac and surrounding areas on January 9. Picture supplied Daily Your morning news Today's top stories curated by our news team. Weekdays The lunch break Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. Weekdays The evening wrap Catch up on the news of the day and unwind with great reading for your evening. Weekly Subscriber Only Note from the Editor Get the editor's insights: what's happening & why it matters. Weekly Sport The latest news, results & expert analysis. Weekly Subscriber Only FootyHQ Love footy? We've got all the action covered. Weekly What's On Going out or staying in? Find out what's on. Weekly Property Real local, smart property news for regional Australia Twice weekly The Senior Stay in the know on news that matters to you with twice weekly newsletters from The Senior. Weekly Explore Travel Every Saturday and Tuesday, explore destinations deals, tips & travel writing to transport you around the globe. Weekdays The Echidna Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more. Twice weekly The Informer Your essential national news digest: all the big issues on Wednesday and great reading every Saturday. Twice weekly Voice of Real Australia Get real, Australia! Let the ACM network's editors and journalists bring you news and views from all over. Weekly Motoring Get news, reviews and expert insights every Thursday from CarGuide, ACM's exclusive motoring partner. As it happens Breaking news alert Be the first to know when news breaks. Daily Today's Paper Alert Your digital replica of Today's Paper. Ready to read from 5am! Daily Subscriber Only Your favourite puzzles Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement Ad Advertisement Ad Web Link 'Cruelly ripped off': heartless scam tradies target bushfire victims - The Cour… The Courier | Ballarat, VIC