There have been several reports of the infamous ‘Bitumen Bandits’ operating in the region, with local businesses and homeowners warned that the seemingly friendly tradies are in fact scam-artists.
One local business says they believe they were dealing with ‘Bitumen Bandits’ when they were deceived and left with a poorly laid carpark that will now need to be completely pulled up and replaced.
The business said they were also sent an invoice for twice the quoted price and then bombarded with a series of threatening phone calls and text messages when they did not send through immediate payment.
Approached by a friendly tradie with an English accent, Norina Kent from Whitpro Group, never suspected that this easy-going encounter was in fact the beginning of a nightmare for her and her business.
“They seemed like honest guys, very approachable and happy to take on additional works in town to off load some excess bitumen,” she said.
The tradie allegedly told Ms Kent that he had leftover product from a previous job and could lay the bitumen carpark at a discounted price.
“They advised that the normal rate was $65/m2 but to use up the excess product they would reduce the rate to $35/m2,” she explains.
The tradie then proceeded to give a verbal quote for a dedicated area but despite being asked to send the quote via email, it did not eventuate before they commenced work, with the tradies insisting that it had been sent.
“Oddly enough, the invoice came through immediately after the job was completed but it was for more than double the originally quoted price.”
Ms Kent alleges that she then received multiple phone calls asking for payment and can understand “why some people simply pay when the tradies become threatening, as it can be very intimidating to be told they are going to come after you if you don’t pay up immediately”.
Upon inspecting the job, Ms Kent and her husband, Tim Perkins, said they could see it was not done to standard, and the bitumen was patchy, with some areas only dry stoned (not sealed at all).
Ms Kent met with one of the tradies and within a half hour conversation, she reports she was offered a $10,000 discount with a promise to repair the areas of concern.
“It was then that I knew something was up,” said Ms Kent.
“No-one offers that kind of discount if they know they have done a good job and without having to speak with management, he said he would get in trouble, but he would wear it”.
Suspicious and concerned about numerous inconsistencies, the couple then asked an independent town planner to take a look.
The contractor confirmed their fears - the surface had not been swept prior to laying and the aggregate had not been pre coated which resulted in the bitumen not adhering to the surface, which is evident in the surface now lifting easily.
The entire carpark was allegedly going to fall apart with traffic use and would need to be replaced.
When Ms Kent stated she wanted an independent assessor to advise if the job had been completed to standard before paying, she alleges receiving 17 texts and abusive phone calls threatening property and personal damage if payment was not made immediately.
“At that point I went to the police, and it was then I received confirmation that we were not their only victims with many others scammed.” she said.
Ms Kent connected with two other locals who appeared to have had been approached by the same tradies. One lady had already paid $21,000 for a driveway they were quoted $14,000 for.
Within a short time, the lady said to Ms Kent that her driveway became patchy and, when the tradies came to look at the work, they offered $7000 money back.
Ms Kent says she believes the money has not been returned so far.
Police say that there are incidents similar to these occurring from Cairns to Mackay and that community members need to be on high alert.
The tradesman involved with the Whitsundays’ incidents was contacted but declined to comment.
Queensland Police Service (QPS) said that while the bandits’ sales pitch tactics may vary, there are some things to be aware of:
• They proactively approach residents by going door to door.
• They may speak with a strong Irish accent.
• The quoted amount will literally be ‘too good to be true.’
• They may claim the reason they can perform the job cheaply is because they have leftover bitumen from a previous job.
• They may pressure residents to accept the deal, and even become aggressive or say the deal is only valid for that day.
• They may quote a reasonable price however, upon completion demand a higher payment.
• They may demand payment that day.
• If a deposit is made, they often vanish before commencement of the job.
QPS also offer tips for residents to avoid this scam and similar ones:
• Research the company through the internet and newspaper advertisements.
• Speak to family, friends and neighbours who may also have been approached.
• Obtain a written quote from the company.
• Do not provide payment before the job is complete and to a satisfactory level.
• Do not feel pressured to make a decision that day and feel comfortable to decline the offer.
• Reputable businesses should be happy to provide their contact details and perform the job at an appropriately agreed time and date.
• If you identify that the offer turns out to be legitimate, you can always say yes later.
• Trust your gut instinct.
A text allegedly received from the tradesman:
Pay your bill, you will regret knocking me, I will cost you triple the amount you owe over time. I will not stop tormenting you. You got a big delivery of sh*t coming very soon. Game is on.
Norina Kent and Tim Perkins from Whitpro Group are extremely disappointed with the tradies who they believe are con men just after a quick buck
Norina Kent from Whitpro said that the carpark surface will now need to be completely replaced
