CONSUMER & BUSINESS ADVICE
Media Releases
25 May 2023

'Bitumen bandits' are on the prowl across South Australia with new reports to South Australia's consumer watchdog coming from right around the state, prompting a fresh warning to be on the lookout for these dodgy dealers.

Consumer and Business Services is working with state and federal agencies including the South Australian Police and Border Force to identify bitumen bandits and gather evidence of their offences. Regulators throughout Australia share information in relation to bitumen bandits to assist in catching them early as they move from one state to another.

Consumer and Business Services has recently received 12 complaints from consumers who have been approached by these unscrupulous operators, with reports received from:

  • Stirling North
  • Mallala
  • Athelstone
  • Renmark
  • Murray Bridge
  • Ceduna
  • Dry Creek
  • Mile End
  • Melrose Park
  • North Plympton
  • St Marys
  • Lonsdale

Bitumen bandits are roaming, unlicensed traders who travel from town to town targeting both homes and businesses, claiming to have leftover bitumen from a previous job and offering to do cheap work.

However, the work is substandard and often leaves consumers out of pocket as they struggle with the cost of remedial work to fix the mess they are left with.

Anyone who has encountered these individuals are encouraged to contact Consumer and Business Services on 131 882 or at www.cbs.sa.gov.au/contact-us as quickly as possible.