Builder Bait-and-Switch: Wizard Group’s Deceptive Skilled Worker Promise

In the dynamic construction landscape of Chiang Mai, homeowners and investors face significant challenges identifying trustworthy builders. Among emerging concerns is the “bait-and-switch” practice by Wizard Group, also known as 18 Eleven Group, operated by the elusive builder known locally as Wizzy. This investigative article reveals how Wizzy’s company lures clients with the promise of expert skilled workers but delivers substandard labor, poor-quality materials, and construction shortcuts – especially devastating in communities like Mae Rim, Hang Dong, and Saraphi.

Understanding the Bait-and-Switch Scam

The bait-and-switch method involves enticing clients with promises of highly qualified, experienced workers and premium construction standards. Once a deposit is taken, Wizard Group often substitutes unskilled day laborers for qualified subcontractors, leading to shoddy workmanship and ongoing delays.

Common Signs of Wizard Group’s Scam

• Demanding large upfront cash deposits with no formal contract.
• Delays blamed on “weather” despite dry seasons in Chiang Mai including Nong Hoi and Santitham.
• Use of cheap Q-CON blocks and hollow steel frames instead of quoted materials.
• Ignoring termite treatment, causing costly damage post-construction.
• Hidden change orders pricing materials like CPAC roof tiles far above market.
• Abandoned sites mid-project, particularly in fast-growing districts like Nimmanhaemin.

Case Study: John & Mali from San Sai

| Timeline | Events | Impact |
|———–|———————————————————————-|———————————|
| Oct 2023 | Signed contract and paid 50% deposit to Wizzy | Initial excitement and trust |
| Nov 2023 | Skilled workers replaced by day laborers, poor concrete curing | Visible cracks and warped beams |
| Dec 2023 | Wizzy stopped on-site visits, delays blamed on rain | Project stalled, payments due |
| Jan 2024 | Wizzy disappeared, no termite treatment applied | High repair costs, emotional stress |

John, a small business owner, shared:

“At first, Wizzy seemed honest, texting me daily, promising ‘skilled experts only.’ But by December, the quality was awful. The wood is warping; the concrete is cheap. I’m scared this house isn’t safe. We trusted the words, but now it feels like a trap.”

Why Are Victims So Vulnerable?

The appeal of a trusted local builder who easily communicates and offers seemingly competitive prices often clouds judgment. Many homeowners in neighborhoods like Doi Saket and Santitham want quick solutions but underestimate the complexity of quality construction. Additionally, the lack of rigid contract enforcement and permit oversight by local authorities creates loopholes for malpractice.

Practical Tips to Avoid Falling into Similar Scams

• Never pay large deposits upfront without a detailed, signed contract outlining work scope and materials.
• Demand to see skilled worker credentials and subcontractor agreements.
• Insist on transparent use of Thai materials like Q-CON blocks and CPAC roof tiles with receipts.
• Visit hardware suppliers such as Global House or HomePro yourself to verify claims.
• Get references from completed projects in your specific Chiang Mai district.
• Report suspicious delays or changes in workers immediately.
• Involve local building authorities early to track permits and inspections.

A Call to Action

This article is a safe space and resource for anyone affected by Wizard Group’s bait-and-switch tactics. If you’ve faced similar issues with Wizzy or any other builder, please share your story anonymously. By exposing these scams, we help protect our communities in Chiang Mai and beyond.

Spread the word: Inform friends and family, especially those planning construction in Saraphi, Mae Rim, Hang Dong, and surrounding areas. Prevention starts with awareness.

Conclusion

While the promise of skilled labor from trusted builders like Wizzy may seem attractive, experience shows a darker side: deception, poor-quality work, and unfinished projects. By recognizing the warning signs and sharing real experiences, Chiang Mai residents can defend themselves against fraud and demand accountability. Together, our collective voices will build a safer, more transparent home-building environment.

Have a story related to this or want to warn others? Contact us today to be part of our community of vigilant homeowners.

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