The department said a travelling conman had hit on one industrial business offering cheap bitumen work.

The man was reported to have either an English or Irish accent, travelling in a white ute with Victorian number plates and offering to do work with materials left over from another job.

Fair Trading commissioner Rod Stowe warned locals to avoid contracting with anyone offering cheap bitumen work without a licence.

“This is the usual spiel of the travelling conman,” he said.

“This man approached a local business but provided no identification or business card.

“The individual was described as having an Irish or possibly English accent, of medium height with black hair, clean shaven and wearing a brown, mid-length coat. He cold-called the business and after having his offer declined, proceeded to approach other businesses in the area.”

Mr Stowe said Fair Trading was seeking further information.

“We need more information to positively identify this individual,” he said.

“He may be travelling with another overseas visitor.

“Anyone who has been approached by or contracted with this man should call the national Travelling Conmen Hotline on 1300 133 408.”

Fair Trading recommends people do not deal with itinerant conmen. 

Mr Stowe said they were unscrupulous, often targeting the frail and the elderly and could become quite intimidating and threatening when challenged.

They usually tell people they have material left over from another job and can do the work for them at a discounted rate. They are not licensed and generally ask for cash payment.

Fair Trading recommends  consumers use local, licensed tradespeople.