Adelaide Hills residents warned about bitumen scam

In July this year, police received reports from members of the Langhorne Creek community that individuals claiming to have leftover bitumen from another job were door knocking residents and offering to complete driveway or paving work at reduced prices.

Police are concerned the approach may be linked to a scam that has been reported in other parts of the state.

In these incidents, customers are often offered what appears to be a cheap quote for driveway resurfacing or bitumen laying work. Once the work is completed, it is frequently found to be of a poor standard, with the workers then demanding substantially more money than originally agreed upon.

Those involved often use trucks, trailers and equipment that appear legitimate, making it difficult to identify them as scammers.

Residents are urged to be cautious of unsolicited offers from door-to-door salespeople, particularly where the offer seems too good to be true or where there is pressure to make an immediate decision.

Before agreeing to any work, police recommend:

• Obtaining multiple written quotes from reputable contractors.
• Verifying the business details and credentials of anyone offering services.
• Avoiding cash payments or upfront payments without proper documentation.
• Taking time to consider any offer and not being pressured into making an immediate commitment.

Anyone who has been approached by people offering suspicious driveway, paving or bitumen work should report the matter to police on 131 444 or via Crime Stoppers online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or by calling 1800 333 000.

Consumers can also seek advice from Consumer and Business Services.

For more information about common scams, visit www.scamwatch.gov.au.