Release date: 24/05/23
‘Bitumen bandits’ are on the prowl across South Australia with new reports to South Australia’s consumer watch dog coming from right around the state, prompting a fresh warning to be on the lookout for these dodgy dealers.
Consumer and Business Services is working with state and federal agencies including the South Australian Police and Border Force to identify bitumen bandits and gather evidence of their offences. Regulators throughout Australia share information in relation to bitumen bandits to assist in catching them early as they move from one state to another.
Consumer and Business Services has recently received 12 complaints from consumers who have been approached by these unscrupulous operators, with reports received from:
* Stirling North
* Mallala
* Athelstone
* Renmark
* Murray Bridge
* Ceduna
* Dry Creek
* Mile End
* Melrose Park
* North Plympton
* St Marys
* Lonsdale
Bitumen bandits are roaming, unlicensed traders who travel from town to town targeting both homes and businesses, claiming to have leftover bitumen from a previous job and offering to do cheap work.
However, the work is substandard and often leaves consumers out of pocket as they struggle with the cost of remedial work to fix the mess they are left with.
Anyone who has encountered these individuals are encouraged to contact Consumer and Business Services on 131 882 or at www.cbs.sa.gov.au/contact-us as quickly as possible as part of the challenge is that the offenders often move on to a new location before a complaint is received.
If performing building work unlicensed, offenders are liable for an up to $50,000 fine and the maximum penalty for a breach of Australian Consumer Law is a fine of $2.5 million.
Quotes
Attributable to Andrea Michaels
Based on these reports, it is disturbing that there appears to be different groups of these ‘bandits’ targeting different parts of the state.
It’s easy to be tempted by the offer of cheap work, but consumers should remember that an offer that seems to be too good to be true often is.
The best protection people have is to protect themselves from these individuals by refusing to fall for their tricks, doing their homework, and using trusted operators to do work of this nature.
Attributable to Dini Soulio, Commissioner for Consumer Affairs
While we work with all relevant authorities – including the Border Force and SAPOL – to try and track these individuals down, the sad reality is they often leave without a trace, and by the time a report is made, it’s too late.
People should never accept an offer from someone going door to door, without doing their research first. Seek multiple quotes, look for testimonials and if the trader is using high-pressure tactics to try and force a sale, don’t engage.
Consumers should also visit the CBS website to check whether an individual has a current, valid licence. If you have concerns, you should contact CBS on 131 882.