Fair Trading NSW has warned residents in the Tamworth region to be wary of scammers dubbed 'bitumen bandits' after local reports

Fair Trading NSW Commissioner Rose Webb confirmed a Tamworth local had reported what they believed to be a con artist, known for offering cheap labour and taking off with the cash before completing the work properly.

"The latest report of a travelling conman in Tamworth came from a savvy consumer who was approached out of the blue by an individual fitting exactly this description offering bitumen services," Ms Webb said on Wednesday.

"Being aware of this scam, the consumer began to take photos of the suspect's vehicle, and the suspect promptly left."

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A statement from Fair Trading NSW said "bitumen bandit" scammers have been active for decades, offering cheap labour, usually bitumen laying or sometimes roofing, only to take off with the consumer's cash before completing the service or carrying out shoddy work, such as simply spraying black tinted paint.

"Members of these groups are nomadic and frequently travel across borders or long distances to seek work so it's very important consumers be on the lookout for them," Ms Webb said.

"Often these persons and groups are from an English or Irish heritage and will present extremely professionally, even with work vehicles and websites.

"They often imply they have leftover materials from a nearby job and offer a cheap price for work carried out that day.

"They continually adapt their scam, offering Eftpos as they are aware demanding a cash payment can arouse suspicion."

Ms Webb said suspects should be reported to Fair Trading and local police.

Contractors and labourers in NSW are required to hold a white card, so not being able to supply one is a red flag, according to Fair Trading NSW.

There is also a Service NSW Tradesperson Check tool online, which is a free service that can check the validity of an individual or business.

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