Acting Fair Trading Minister Linda Burney is warning Blue Mountains residents to beware of bitumen bandits offering to lay asphalt on driveways, landscaping and cleaning at cheap rates.
Ms Burney said Fair Trading was investigating reports of itinerant traders attempting to scam locals at Warrimoo and Blaxland with cheap bitumen laying offers.
"The traders are currently using a flyer entitled "Emerald Asphalt & Paving" offering a large range of services including asphalting, fencing, bricklaying and landscaping services," she said.
"None of the workers hold an appropriate licence.
Ms Burney said Fair Trading has operational people in the field tracking the movements of these shonks.
"Bitumen bandits generally target older, vulnerable people in rural and regional areas and have been subject to ongoing Fair Trading investigations," she said.
Ms Burney said Fair Trading issued warnings on bitumen bandits on four occasions last year and three times this year when they appeared on the south coast, north coast and on the outskirts of south-western Sydney.
"A group was caught operating in Taree, Old Bar and Tinonee in February last year," she said.
"Three penalty notices worth $2,250 were issued."
Ms Burney said the bandits use a seemingly plausible reason to gain people's confidence and, in the worst cases, lie in wait for people to leave their homes.
"They will often say they have leftover material from a local council job or Roads and Traffic Authority job and can do a good price," she said.
"They also ask for cash in hand and are known to keep a watch on homeowners to see when they leave their property.
"When they do, the bandits will turn up with a large group and start laying bitumen without consent."
Ms Burney said bitumen bandits often attempted to bully residents into paying for substandard work.
"After completing the work, the bandits quickly leave the area and consumers are unable to contact them or obtain refunds or warranties," she said.
"I urge residents to contact Fair Trading immediately on 13 32 20 if they have been approached by bitumen bandits.
"Wherever possible, get the car rego of the bandits and any other identifying information, such as contact details, including mobile phone numbers."
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