Itinerant bitumen layers |
Dodgy bitumen layers have been targeting households in South-East Queensland, offering discount driveway repairs.
They claim they are working on construction sites in the area and offer to do the job for a low price with leftover material. Typically these operators do a substandard job using watered-down materials. Often the jobs have to be fixed by a qualified trader, leaving the consumer to pay twice for the same job.
These dishonest operators travel from one place to another looking for opportunities to deceive unsuspecting consumers.
How can I recognise these operators?
These operators:
- may begin the work without discussing payment, and later pressure consumers for cash payment on completion of the work
- may initially offer consumers payment plans or EFTPOS payment options, and later pressure the consumer for a full payment in cash
- usually give verbal quotes only and don´t bill in an appropriate fashion (for example, an invoice)
- don´t issue any paperwork with identifying information, such as an Australia Business/Company number, business name or business location
- usually only provide a mobile phone number and PO Box as contact details
- may claim they have been working on a nearby construction site and offer to do the job for a low price with leftover material
- use stand-over tactics to pressure consumers into hasty decisions.
Consumers in Glenore Grove, Laidley Heights, Tarampa, Ningi, Rosewood, Grandchester and Deception Bay have been targeted.
How do I get help?
Anybody approached by a suspect itinerant trader should contact us.
We can check if the trader has a registered business name or Australian Business Number (ABN) and can give you advice on your rights under the door-to-door trading provisions of the Fair Trading Act 1989. Door-to-door trading laws protect both consumers and industry from the dangers of rogue operators. Read more about door-to-door trading.
If you´ve been the victim of one of these dodgy operators or think you have seen one in operation, report it to us.
Last reviewed 28/11/2011 |
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