NSW Fair Trading has warned Central Coast residents to be wary of “bitumen bandits” – travelling conmen who have been sighted in the region throughout May.
“These scammers offer cheap labour, usually bitumen laying or sometimes roofing, only to take off with the consumer’s cash before completing the service or carrying out shoddy work, such as simply spraying black tinted paint,” Fair Trading Commissioner, Rose Webb, said.
She said while bitumen bandits can be extremely convincing, they exhibit several characteristics that can help consumers spot them.
“Often these persons and groups are from an English or Irish heritage and will present extremely professionally, even with work vehicles and websites.
“They often imply they have left over materials from a nearby job and offer a cheap price for work carried out that day.
“They continually adapt their scam, offering Eftpos as they are aware demanding a cash payment can arouse suspicion.”
Webb urged anyone who believes they are being approached, or have been approached, by a bitumen bandit to collect all details possible and report sightings to the police and NSW Fair Trading.
There are several other ways consumers can protect themselves from travelling conmen, she said.
“Contractors and labourers in NSW are required to hold a White Card, which you can request to see,” she said.
“These cards have also recently been digitised through the Service NSW app, so if the person does not have their physical copy you can request to see their digital copy.
“If they cannot supply either, that is a red flag.
“If the work amount exceeds $5,000 the person will require a contractor’s licence.
“Whether bitumen related or not, you should also always use the Service NSW Tradesperson Check tool online.
“It is a free service that allows you to check the validity of an individual or business using any, or a combination, of the licencee name, licence number, trade and suburb.
Source:
Media release, Jun 2
NSW Fair Trading