Fleurieu residents are being warned to look out for unscrupulous, unlicensed tradies known as ‘bitumen bandits’.

The unlicensed operators often go door to door, targeting businesses and vulnerable consumers, offering to do bitumen work on the cheap – claiming they have materials left over from a bigger job.

The work is often substandard and, unfortunately, by the time the consumer has realised they’ve been ripped off, the tradies have moved on to their next target.

Consumer and Business Services (CBS) has received a number of reports from consumers in Myponga, Goolwa, Victor Harbor and Strathalbyn, according to Minister Andrea Michaels.

“We’ve had reports of these people going door to door across suburban Adelaide and now, in regional areas,” she says.

“The best protection people can have is to be rightly sceptical of anyone going door to door, offering to do cheap bitumen work.

“These people often use high pressure tactics bordering on aggressive to try and get people to part with their money. Remember to keep a clear head and please report any concerns to CBS.”

CBS Commissioner Dini Soulio says that, as the saying goes, if a deal seems too good to be true, it most likely is.

“Someone going door to door to offer work like this should serve as an immediate red flag to consumers.”

“Never accept an unsolicited offer. You should always do your homework – check that the tradie is licensed, get multiple quotes and source independent feedback. 

To report a claim, contact CBS on 131 882 or by visiting the CBS website.