NSW Fair Trading Minister, Linda Burney, today alerted residents of Orange to beware of bogus bitumen layers operating in the area and warned bandits that when they get caught, they will face heavy fines, like the unlicensed itinerant bitumen layer who had to pay $4,660 at Kempsey Local Court last week.

Ms Burney said a suspicious resident of Orange managed to save himself $4,000 after he was almost stung by two bitumen bandits who offered to resurface his driveway. 

“They left him a dodgy business card for Bitumen Road Seal with a mobile number but no contact names. On checking, he found the business name wasn’t registered,” Ms Burney said. 

“Fair Trading has received reports that the two men were last seen near Nashdale, Orange, driving a truck.  They seek work door-to-door and ask for a cash payment. 

“Consumers who fall for these itinerant workers either end up with shoddy work or jobs that are never finished.

“It is so important to check a builder’s or tradeperson’s licence before entering into any contract or agreement. Also, make sure it authorises the contractor to do the work that you want done.”

Ms Burney said while these crooks are currently around the Orange area, householders in surrounding towns should be on the alert because they generally move on and trap unsuspecting consumers further afield.

“The scammers usually claim they have materials left over from another job and rather than throw it out, will lay an asphalt driveway for the homeowner at a cheap rate,” Ms Burney said.

“All homeowners, especially the elderly, should be very wary about any tradesperson who turns up uninvited, and offers to do work around the home,” Ms Burney said.

The Office of Fair Trading caught and prosecuted Mr Mark Yelding from Port Macquarie on 5 February. He was ordered to pay $4,660 in fines and costs for a number of breaches under the Home Building Act. 

“On two separate occasions, Mr Yelding carried out residential building work – laying bitumen on residential driveways – without being the holder of a relevant contractor licence,” Ms Burney said.

“One of the residents approached by Mr Yelding refused to enter into a contract with him but the other one was not so lucky, and handed over a cheque for $2,900.00.”

Ms Burney said Fair Trading will always come down hard on those ignore their responsibilities under the law. 

“I hope Mr Yelding’s punishment will serve as a lesson to other unlicensed contractors who misguidedly believe they are above the law,” Ms Burney said. 

“I urge all consumers to ask potential contractors for their licence number, and then check if it is valid for the work proposed by calling 13 32 20 or by viewing the online licence check on this website.

“With so many experienced local tradespeople in the region, there is no reason to ever consider fly-by-night operators like these.”

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