ST. PAUL - St. Paul RCMP are warning property owners to be aware of "ongoing paving scams and fraudulent contractor services."
According to information from RCMP, "recent incidents have involved illegitimate, out-of-town companies offering discounted asphalt-paving services to residents in smaller towns and rural residences."
Contractors approach residents claiming to have leftover materials from previous job and offer to pave driveways or parking lots at a reduced rate, according to police.
"Companies may use business names that suggest they are affiliated with a government road maintenance department and typically provide false addresses or contact information," according to the information from RCMP. "After contractors collect payment and disappear from the area, customers discover the materials used are poor quality and the work is unprofessional."
Victims of the scams are often left with expensive asphalt repairs and no way to contact the contractor.
St. Paul RCMP offered tips to keep in mind.
Tips include:
- Ask for names of previous customers and verify that they were satisfied with the work.
- Research the company through the Better Business Bureau in Alberta, the Consumer Investigations Unit, or your local Rural Crime Watch.
- Obtain a written quote that includes the full business name, address, phone number, GST number, as well as provincial and municipal license numbers.
- Quotes should specify the quantity and quality of materials being offered.
- Seek estimates from reputable companies to compare costs.
- Do not agree to a contract if you feel pressured.
- Be leery of unsolicited offers.
If you, or anyone you know, suspect a paving-contractor scam, please contact your local RCMP detachment at 310-RCMP (7267) or make a report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by calling 1-888-495-8501.
