‘Bitumen bandits’ and other travelling conmen continue to target households with cheap offers for home maintenance and repairs. From driveway sealing and roof repairs to painting and paving, these operators often arrive uninvited, sometimes claiming they were “working in the area” and have leftover materials they can use at a discounted rate.
While the offer may sound tempting, these deals can quickly turn into an expensive mistake.
Travelling conmen typically pressure consumers into making a quick decision, saying the cheap price is for “today only”. They may demand cash payment upfront and even offer to drive people to the bank to withdraw the money, or push consumers into agreeing before they have had time to think it through.
In many cases, the work is left unfinished or completed to a shoddy standard. Once the money has changed hands, the traders are quick to leave town and can be impossible to contact again.
These travelling conmen are breaking the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) by ignoring the required 10-day cooling-off period for unsolicited work. During this time, no payment should be made, and no work is legally permitted. You can also change your mind without penalty.
Western Australians should be cautious of anyone who unexpectedly knocks on the door offering home repair services for cash at too-good-to-be-true prices. Instead, turn them away and let Consumer Protection know so they can track their whereabouts.
If it is safe to do so, try to collect helpful information for investigators, including vehicle registration numbers, the make and model of cars, descriptions or names used by the traders, and copies of any flyers or business cards they provide.
Consumers can also help protect their community by warning neighbours, friends and family members, particularly older relatives who may be more vulnerable to high-pressure sales tactics.
Remember word-of-mouth is a powerful tool.
So, if you are looking for someone to do some jobs around the house, take the time to research and ask friends and family for recommendations. Getting multiple written quotes and checking any relevant licences can help avoid costly problems later.
It’s worth considering displaying a “Do Not Knock” sticker at your front door, as it can also help deter unwanted sales approaches. A salesperson must leave immediately when asked to by the person who lives in the property – whether it’s in-person or via a sticker on the door.
Report travelling conmen to Consumer Protection via consumer@lgirs.wa.gov.au or call 1300 30 40 54