Irish conmen target Ipswich suburbs

Ipswich Councillor Paul Tully is out to catch a gang of Irish conment who are scamming Ipswich residents.

Sarah Harvey

A notorious gang of Irish conmen has hit Queensland targeting suburbs in Ipswich.

A family in Augustine Heights is now among the victims taken in by the brazen scam, where householders are offered cheap asphalt driveways and car parks.

The gang known as the "Irish Gypsies" offer residents high quality driveways provided they agree on the spot.

They claim the asphalt is left over from nearby roadworks and construction site and entince householders with a low price.

But the scammers either dissapear with the money or do a rough job which falls apart within days.

Local Ipswich Councillor Paul Tully said gangs trick was to cover the work with a think layer of white sand telling the property owner not to remove it for a seven day period while the bitumen "cured".

"These dodgy operators hit Australia every summer to avoid the overseas winter and rip off hundreds of home owners," Cr Tully said.

"They deserve to be jailed for their fraudulent scams and not simply face deportation for working on tourist visas if they are caught."

Cr Tully said householders with any information about the gang should contact the Office of Fair Trading on 13 74 68 or his office at Goodna on 3818 6900.

* Have you yourself or do you know someone who has fallen victim to a scam like this?  The Satellite Newspaper wants to hear from you. Call 3457 4120 or email chris.owen@qtcn.com.au