The Association has been alerted that a registered Melbourne plumber has been obtaining an MPMSAA Member’s client information through its after hours paging service.

The fraudulent plumber has been contacting the messaging service provider and claiming he is representing the company.  Through emotive manipulation this individual has obtained client information and has contacted the client to perform the work on the company’s behalf asking to be paid in cash.

Our member contacted the messaging service provider and was informed that they could place a PIN number on the call information.  Only those who know the PIN number can gain access to any information.

The messaging service provider has also been contacted recently to find out which Melbourne plumbers use their service however the messaging service provider did not supply this information.

The Member affected states that the fraud has been estimated at more than $40,000.  The police have been contacted and they have started an investigation.

MPMSAA advises all members, with a similar after hours system, to speak to their provider to ensure security is in place to prevent any further fraud.