Scammers have become a modern day problem, mainly via phone or internet, but there are also those brazen enough to attempt a scam in person and Western Plains residents are warned to be vigilant of the latest scam doing the rounds.

In the last few months, fake tradespeople known as "bitumen bandits" have been on the prowl for victims across our region.

Generally offering to re-surface driveways and car parks, the work and quality of materials is usually sub-standard and overpriced. Alarmingly the latest group are claiming to have done work for local councils as a way to persuade unwary customers.

Cobar Shire Council issued a warning In April.

"Cobar Shire Council has been made aware of a person offering bitumen sealing services at reduced prices to residents within the Cobar Shire area," a spokesperson said on the Shire's Facebook page.

"The contractors indicate that they have undertaken work for Council whilst in the area. This is not the case.

"Anyone who believes they have been approached by these people are urged to collect whatever details possible – such as vehicle registrations – and pass them onto the Cobar Police."

A Cobar resident included a photo of the scammers and said the product used resembled paint and blue metal.

"Please don't give them any money," the resident warned. "They got greedy with me and wanted $17000 on completion, not the $6000 they originally suggested it would be."

Bourke Shire Council has also place a public warning on social media saying the scammers are claiming to work for council in their region.

"Council's current contractors for sealing works in the Shire are NSW Spray Seal and the Downer Group. These contractors, as engaged by Council, do not undertake cash or private works jobs whilst engaged by Council in the area," the post stated.

The NSW department of Fair Trading are aware of these bitumen bandits and have previously said that while the fake tradies 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," a spokesperson from the department said.

The criminals even offer EFTPOS as a payment option to avoid arousing suspicion and imply they have left over materials from a nearby job and offer a cheap price for work carried out that day.

Rachel Hobden, Media Liaison Officer for the Western Region said police are aware of the bitumen scammers.

"They are being sighted across the Western Plains but police have not received any reports from the community at this stage," Ms Hobden said.