Roma police have issued a warning to residents about two men, with accents offering bitumen services and requesting cash payments

Roma police have issued a warning to residents about two men with Irish or European accents who have offered residents the chance to repair their driveways at a large cost before changing their business name and ABNs. Full details here:

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Roma police have issued a warning to residents about a scam where people are going door to door offering bitumen services requesting cash payments.

Last week, a group of males attended a home on Six Mile Road, Tingun and claimed they had bitumen left over from nearby road works.

Sergeant Noel Jones said the men offered to repair the resident’s driveway for $52,000.

The resident agreed but later discovered the work was of poor quality and had not been completed.

Sergeant Jones said the suspects later changed their business name, ABNs and disconnected their phone numbers.

“The men had either Irish or European accents and were driving a white Toyota Corolla,” he said.

“They are also travelling in small trucks with Victorian registration plates.”

Sergeant Jones said police had received similar reports about bitumen maintenance work or repairs.

“Information has been received that this group is currently operating in the Roma area again as of July 17,” he said.

“Police are urging the public to be aware of this ongoing scam, and are seeking assistance with identifying the persons involved.”

He said the best way for homeowners to avoid the scam or possible shoddy handymen was to:

• Say no – at first.
• Seek more information – from independent sources such as family, friends, neighbours, newspaper advertisements or past clients.
• Reputable businesses will be happy to provide you with full contact details so that you can follow-up on their services.
• Obtain a written quote.
• Seek an agreement with the person offering the service that all moneys will be paid at the satisfactory completion of the job and not up front.
• Regulatory authorities who are responsible for license and regulation of various trades such as plumbing, building and electrical etc, should be contacted to ascertain if the handyman is currently licensed.
• IF the offer turns out to be safe and good for you, you can always say yes later.

Sergeant Jones said anyone with information about two men working on Six Mile Road should contact the Office of Fair Trading.

“I urge homeowners to take these tips on board and say no to anyone offering door to door home repairs,” he said.

“Wait until you are able to make an informed decision and know that this is a legitimate offer.”

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.