NSW on high alert for travelling conmen known as 'bitumen bandits'

New South Wales residents are being warned to be cautious of a group of travelling conmen dubbed the "bitumen bandits" who are ripping off consumers.

The NSW department of Fair Trading has received reports that the men have recently been turning their tricks in the Tamworth, Central Coast, Lake Macquarie and Forster areas in the month of May.

Members of these groups will usually approach residents and offer a cheap quote for roofing work or laying bitumen for a new driveway.

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The group will then demand more cash or carry out shoddy work such as spraying black paint to imitate bitumen before leaving the area.

Fair Trading Commissioner Rose Webb said while bitumen bandits can be extremely convincing, they exhibit several characteristics that can help consumers spot them.

"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."

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Ms Webb said the criminals even offer EFTPOS as a payment option to avoid courting suspicion.

"They often imply they have left over 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.

"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.

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

"There have also been similar reports made to local police in the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie and Forster areas."

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Anyone who believes they have been approached by these conman are urged to collect whatever details possible – such a vehicle registrations – and pass them onto police and NSW Fair Trading.

Those concerned about the legitimacy of their contractors can request to see a White Card, which all contractors and labourers in NSW are required to hold.

If the quote exceeds $5000 the tradesperson will also be required to show a contractor's licence.