A 62 year-old refrigeration installer has been fined $10,000 for taking deposits from customers, but failing to do any work.
The Dandenong Magistrates' Court has ordered Neil Turner to also pay $8850 in compensation to three customers for wrongfully taking money.
In November 2010, Turner took a $4500 deposit to install a cool room at a milk bar in Seaford.
On another occasion in August 2011, he agreed to supply and install an air-conditioning unit and conduct maintenance work at a Dandenong North property, and in March 2011, he was paid a $3350 deposit to install a new cool room at a Warburton farm.
In all of these instances Turner did not complete the work and never repaid the money.
The court action commenced following investigations by the Victorian Small Business Commissioner and Consumer Affairs Victoria.
Consumer Affairs Victoria acting director Phil D'Adamo said in a statement the conviction showed Australian Consumer Law protects both individuals and businesses.
He said it is an offence under Australian Consumer Law to accept payment for goods and services but fail to deliver or complete the work.
On top of the court ordered fine and the repayments to the customers, Turner has been ordered to pay $1400 in legal costs.
Consumer Affairs Victoria said between 2011 and 2012, problems with delivery of goods, including non-supply, ranked in the top five complaints generating telephone enquiries.
Businesses that accept payment for goods and services and not supply them can be fined up to $1.1 million while an individual can face up to $220,000 in fines.