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Bitumen Bandits On The Prowl

A scam targeting the elderly and offering to seal their driveways is operating in Gippsland.

By Bass Coast - 25th October 2011 - Back to News

Advice received from the Consumer Affairs Department says the driveway scam operators, also know as ‘bitumen bandits’, increase their activity as the weather warms up and there have been reported cases in Warragul and Drouin.

Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Veronica Dowman, warned local residents to be on the lookout for any door-to-door offers to seal your driveway.

"These people often target the elderly and operate mainly in rural or urban fringe areas," explained Cr Dowman.

"They often claim that they have just completed a bitumen surfacing job down the road, and offer left over material at bargain prices. However, to get these cheap prices the work has to be completed and paid for that day. "Once completed, the work usually fails immediately and the prices they offer are not really cheap anyway," Cr Dowman said.

"They often pressure people to pay more than the original quote once the work has been finished." Consumer Affairs advise that the bandits usually look as though they are from responsible companies, frequently having modern vehicles and appropriate clothing and signage. "Some of these people claim to be part of reputable asphalt companies and even have forged business cards," warned Cr Dowman.

"There have not been any reported incidents in Bass Coast; however we do want residents to be alert, as they have been in other areas in Gippsland.

"The Australian Asphalt Pavement Association advises that if a group of workmen arrive at your house and offer to seal your driveway that day, say NO.

Anyone approached by bitumen bandits should ring the Consumer Affairs national hotline on 1300 133 408.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com