Sydney residents warned of conman gardener SYDNEY residents are being warned against a conman who targets vulnerable people by offering gardening work. NSW Fair Trading is warning against Robert Douglas Pentecost, who trades under the unregistered business names of Ku-Ring-Gai Tree Service and Bob Pentecost Tree Services. The 59-year-old has been cold-canvassing residents in the northern suburbs and northern beaches area. He has enticed elderly and disadvantaged consumers to enter into unsolicited consumer agreements for the trimming or removal of trees for significant payments. He has also entered into contracts with consumers to perform residential building work while unlicensed. Information provided by consumers shows he accepts payment and then fails to supply the agreed service. He has no fixed business address and moves frequently, making him hard to locate. Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe warns consumers to ensure they deal only with tradespeople who can be identified by a business address, phone number, Australian Business Number, Australian Company Number, business name or other normal identifier. "Legal action is being taken against Mr Pentecost and I strongly urge consumers not to have any future business dealings or enter into any types of agreements with Mr Pentecost and his businesses," Mr Stowe said. Any consumers who think they may have been scammed by should contact NSW Fair Trading on 13 32 20 or report the matter to the National Travelling Conmen Hotline on 1300 133 408.