Waterproofing contractors who made headlines a couple of years ago for ripping off unsuspecting customers are again advertising their services in consumer magazines and fliers delivered to households.

The Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) said it would be taking action to stop Carmelo Gauci and his son, Marphil, from advertising their services after acknowledging it received fresh complaints.

The work done amounts to thousands of euros but no receipt is given and the job falls short of what is promised.

In a recent case, they promised a “lifetime” guarantee on liquid membrane applied to a roof, which started to crack soon after the workers left.

The regulator has already issued two warnings to the public about waterproofing services offered by the Gaucis.

One warning referred to Total Waterproofing Supplies, operated by Marphil, over advertising services for the alleged removal of mould and humidity from roofs, walls and other surfaces.

Another warning was issued about MG Waterproofing, which had let down a number of customers who bought its guaranteed services only to discover their houses leaked when it rained.

The problem, the MCCAA said, was that the family members regularly changed the names of their businesses and the e-mail addresses and phone numbers on which they could be reached.

An MCCAA spokesman said the father and son sometimes worked together although they also sold their services separately.

But they made it hard for the authorities to catch up with their dealings, once even marketing their services using the name of a Bulgarian woman.

Several decisions by the Consumer Claims Tribunal established that Mr Gauci failed to abide by the obligations he took upon himself in the commercial guarantees issued to customers.

There are another two ongoing court cases on the matter but proceedings have been delayed because either Mr Gauci or his lawyer would not show up.

The MCCAA warned customers to insist on getting a receipt. Without proof of purchase, it is difficult for the public to seek redress.

The authority said it welcomed customers filing complaints and also encouraged people to file reports with the VAT Department if no receipt was given.

When Times of Malta contacted Carmelo Gauci, he first confirmed his identity and services but hung up when questioned further.