An example of what a bitumen job could look like done by someone not qualified, or with dodgy materials.

An example of what a bitumen job could look like done by someone not qualified, or with dodgy materials. Contributed

THE Office of Fair Trading is investigating a number of reports of a group of travelling traders offering bitumen laying services in the Mt Larcom area.

Residents are urged to be wary if approached by traders offering bitumen laying or other home maintenance in return for upfront cash payment.

Typically these operators do a substandard job using watered-down materials.

Often the jobs have to be fixed by a qualified trader, leaving the consumer to pay twice for the same job.

It is illegal for door-to-door traders to take any upfront payments or deposits for services valued at more than $100.

Any person who has concerns should take notes about the trader and the registration number of their vehicle, and contact the Office of Fair Trading via www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68).