Scammers in top drive

– Casey Neill
POLICE are warning hills residents to watch out for a dodgy driveway scam.
Acting Sergeant Kevin Hogg said several residents in Belgrave and surrounding areas had reported suspicious contractors in recent weeks.
He said the workmen would stop by a home and offer a quote for bitumen or concrete works.
When the occupant accepted the quote they pointed out additional work, increased the quoted price and hounded them for payment.
“We can’t find anything to charge them with,” Act Sgt Hogg said.
He urged people to check up on company names before accepting any work.
“It will be really hard to catch up with these guys,” he said.
Belgrave resident Tim Horwood received a visit from a man with a thick Irish accent who offered a quote to fix his asphalt driveway.
He told Mr Horwood he worked for Caroline Springs-based Town and County Paving, was in the area for another job and looking to pick up extra work.
A $4500 quote quickly became $8500 and workmen never arrived to complete the job.
Mr Horwood saw a story online about ‘bitumen bandits’ and checked his paperwork.
There was no ABN on the documents and the phone number and address corresponded with a call centre.
Call Consumer Affairs Victoria on 1300 558 181 to report any scams.