Consumers are again being warned about itinerant tradies, following a fresh sighting of so-called ‘bitumen bandits’ in regional South Australia.

Bitumen bandits are groups of itinerant tradies going door to door, claiming to have leftover bitumen from a nearby job, offering to do cheap work for both businesses and individuals.

They often employ high-pressure tactics to get consumers to hand over their money, with the work almost always substandard and costing significantly more to repair.

Consumer and Business Services received a new report about a group trading under the name ‘Blackstone Oz Pty Ltd’ targeting businesses and consumers in McLaren Vale and is continuing to investigate the matter.

Consumers are reminded to watch out for red flags such as:

• Asking for immediate payment on the spot
• Starting work without approval
• High pressure tactics

While the tradies have been reported in McLaren Vale, they often change locations quickly to avoid detection.

Consumers who believe they may have encountered these individuals are encouraged to report the matter to CBS on 131 882.

A public warning notice can be found here.