Steamrolled!

By Melissa Grant
BOGUS asphalt layers posing as council workers are targeting vulnerable elderly Pakenham residents.
Victoria Police is warning residents about a group of men who speak with English accents offering cheap driveway asphalting but demand thousands of dollars when the job is done.
They claim to work for the council and wear reflective vests, saying that they have leftover material from a nearby job.
Senior Sergeant Alan McCarthy of Pakenham Police said the scam was one of many happening across Australia.
“They will target the elderly and people who are gullible,” he said.
“And they will even insist on driving them (victims) to the bank to get the money out.”
Sen Sgt McCarthy urged residents to not take doorknockers at face value.
“Anyone coming to your door and offering services – whether it be roofing, guttering, asphalt, concreting driveways – ask them for identification,” he said.
“You’ll find they don’t hang around long.”
Police say the men start work on the driveway before agreeing to a specific price and then demand thousands for the poor jobs they do.
The men tend to operate in pairs or groups up to five and drive around in utes with no business names on them.
The group has also targeted people living in Geelong, Ballarat and Colac, according to Victoria Police.
Cardinia Shire Council communications manager Paul Dunlop said the council wasn’t aware of the bogus asphalting team but warned residents to be careful.
“This area has been targeted in the past by bogus operators and people need to beware,” Mr Dunlop said.
“Council would not offer left over materials to the public in this manner.
“Our workers wear uniforms and (use) council operations vehicles, both of which are marked with the Cardinia Shire logo.”
Police have urged residents to request a full written quote from door-to-door salespeople – including an ABN number – and ensure they are happy with the price quoted before any work starts.
If a resident suspects the worker isn’t legitimate they can make a note of their credentials, refuse their offer of work and report them to Consumer Affairs on 1300 558 181 or itinerant.traders@justice.vic.gov.au.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of this scam is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.