“What we are dealing with are conmen who have been travelling door-to-door offering to do roofing and bitumen work, in some cases demanding payment up to $37,950,” Mr Mason-Cox said.

“NSW Fair Trading has received reports from consumers across NSW in areas including Albury, Bellingen, Blacktown, Bonville, Baulkham Hills, Carlingford, Coffs Harbour, Gulgong, Hornsby, Laurieton, Naremburn, Pymble, Stockinbingal, Tamworth, Thornleigh, Tumbarumba, Tumut, Urunga, West Pennant Hills and Valla.

“A consumer near Lismore was approached by a group of travelling conmen offering bitumen work and paid $7000 for a bitumen driveway which included a three year guarantee. Three days after the job was complete, the driveway began to wash away after heavy rain.”

Mr Mason-Cox said travelling conmen often displayed tell-tale signs that consumers could look out for.

“Conmen will travel door-to-door and offer customers to do work the same day as they doorknock,” he said.

“Work that is undertaken is often of poor quality, incomplete or not what was quoted to the customer.

“Frequently, consumers are provided with an initial quote midway through the work and the value of the quote increases significantly, without consultation.

“Under the Australian Consumer Law, workers or business travelling from premises to premises are required to provide consumers with a 10-business day cooling off period before payments can be sought. Consumers should be wary of anyone who demands money upfront.

“Travelling conmen often become verbally aggressive and use intimidation tactics. Customers should contact the NSW Police if they feel threatened.”