Don’t Get Duped By This Asphalt Scam
With area roads under construction, it's not uncommon to see those big asphalt trucks jumbling and rumbling down city streets and roads. What is uncommon, someone coming to your door asking if you'd like the leftover or old asphalt for your driveway. It's 2019, don't get taken for this scam involving asphalt.
The Dodge County Highway Department posted this warning to residents about the scam that seems to be percolating in the county.
The Better Business Bureau offers these red flags so you won't fall victim to a scam like this.
- There are leftover materials from another job. Professional asphalt contractors know, with great accuracy, how much paving material is needed to complete each project. Rarely will they have large quantities of leftover material.
- You are pushed to make a quick decision. Trustworthy contractors will provide a written estimate that will be valid for days or even weeks. It should specify in detail the work to be performed and the total price. They also don’t mind you checking them out before signing a contract.
- Cash-only sales. Most reputable contractors will take checks or credit cards and don’t require payment upfront. BBB recommends never paying more than 1/3 upfront, and only with a written contract.
- The company is from out of state. Look at the truck the representative travels in. If it is unmarked or has an out-of-state license plate, be cautious. Even if the representative claims to have a local phone number, scammers can easily purchase disposable cell phones to provide a local number in the area they are soliciting. Also, don’t be afraid to ask to see their driver’s license. If the worker is from out of state, how likely are they to come back if a problem arises in the future?
If you suspect that you are dealing with a paving scammer, report them to your local police department and the BBB.
For more tips you can trust, visit bbb.org.
Remember if it's too good to be true, it generally is.