Residents of Vancouver Island are being urged to exercise caution after the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) issued a public warning about a deceptive door-to-door asphalt paving operation. The scam involves individuals going from home to home, offering paving services that are often substandard, overpriced, or never completed.
How the Asphalt Paving Scam Operates
The typical pattern involves one or more individuals arriving unannounced at a residence, often in an unmarked truck. They will claim to have leftover asphalt from a "job nearby" and offer a seemingly irresistible deal to pave a driveway or repair a section of pavement. The sales pitch is high-pressure, emphasizing the limited-time nature of the offer.
The work, if any is done, is frequently of poor quality, using inferior materials that crack or deteriorate quickly. In many cases, after receiving a large cash deposit, the scammers simply leave and never return to complete the job. The RCMP emphasizes that these operators are not legitimate, licensed contractors.
Protecting Yourself from Fraudulent Contractors
Police are providing clear advice to help homeowners avoid falling victim. First and foremost, be highly skeptical of any unsolicited door-to-door service offers, especially those demanding immediate payment or cash-only transactions.
Always ask for proper identification, a business license, and proof of insurance. A reputable contractor will provide these without hesitation. It is also crucial to get multiple written estimates for any significant home improvement project and to check references from past customers. Never feel pressured to make an on-the-spot decision.
What to Do If You Suspect a Scam
If you encounter individuals matching this description, the RCMP advises you not to engage with them. Instead, gather as much information as safely possible, such as vehicle license plate numbers, physical descriptions, and the company name they provide. Report the incident immediately to your local police detachment.
Anyone who believes they may have already been defrauded by this paving scam should also contact police to file a report. By reporting these incidents, the public assists law enforcement in tracking patterns and potentially preventing others from becoming victims. Vigilance and verification are the best defenses against these fraudulent door-to-door schemes.
