The itinerant traders who, NSW Fair Trading Minister Virginia Judge says “attempt to intimidate consumers into paying for shoddy work”, have left calling cards in the Hastings.

“A consumer in King Creek, near Port Macquarie, has reported receiving a flyer in her letterbox touting for bitumen-laying work,” Mrs Judge said.

“The bandits generally target rural and regional areas and have been subject to ongoing Fair Trading investigations,” Mrs Judge said.

Mrs Judge said Fair Trading already had issued warnings about the Bitumen Bandits in February and June this year.

“A group was caught operating in Taree, Old Bar and Tinonee in February and received three penalty notices worth $2250,” she said.

“The men use a seemingly plausible reason to gain people’s confidence and, in the worst cases, lie in wait for people to leave their homes.

“They are known to keep a watch on homeowners to see when they leave their property.

“When they do, the bandits turn up with a large group and start laying bitumen without consent.”

Mrs Judge said they often attempted to bully the resident into paying for substandard work.

“In some cases, they have been known to forcibly drive people to the bank to withdraw money or to cash a cheque,” she said.

“After completing the work, the bandits quickly leave the area and consumers are unable to contact them or obtain refunds or warranties.”

Mrs Judge encouraged residents to contact Fair Trading on 13 32 20 if they have been approached by the Bitumen Bansdits.