L.A Build

BITUMEN BANDITS ARE BACK

​Be on the lookout for 'Bitumen Bandits' who have been spotted operating around Alice Springs and Katherine and are suspected to be heading further north.

The scam involves offering cheap deals such as sealing bitumen driveways, painting or roof repairs valid for 'today only', putting the resident under pressure to say yes and pay cash up front.

Once the cash has been handed over these con men disappear, do a shoddy job or leave the job incomplete.

​WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Be suspicious of people who:

- knock on your door unexpectedly
- offer cheap deals using words like 'for today only'
- have materials 'left over from a job', e.g. bitumen
- ask for cash up front
- offer to drive you to the bank to get money for payment
- make you feel pressured to accept their offer.

​If you suspect the traders are in your area, you can call Northern Territory Consumer Affairs on 1800 019 319 or 08 8999 1999 during normal office hours or call Police on 131 444.