Warning! – printing plate gang is on the prowl again

Scamsters’ phoney pitch for used aluminium plates should put Sydney printers on guard.

The fraudster who fronted up to Pettaras Press just after Christmas with a proposition to use old printing plates as walkways for a rain-soaked circus did not recognise owner, Steve Pettaras. It was a few years ago when the two had last met, back in the 1990s, but Steve knew him. It was a face he would never forget.

Last time the scam involved promising a higher price for used plates, which, once loaded onto the rented truck, were driven away at speed never to be seen again. It took Steve weeks to track down his load of extra large plates at a scrap metal dealer. He could prove they were his from the images they still contained and was able to regain ownership.

Most other printers were not so lucky. “These guys conned printers up and down the east coast. They’re professionals. I recognised him straight away,” said Steve.

This time around when asked to provide some proof of identity, the conman quickly made his excuses and left. But Steve Pettaras is concerned other printers may be set up for a scam.

“I just think people should know these guys are around again,” he said. If you are aware of any shady characters approaching companies to buy printing plates let us know. With aluminium prices at an all time high, used plates represent a valuable revenue stream for printing companies – and conmen.