Orange City, Iowa — According to the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office, the paving scam is running in our area again.
They report that these traveling asphalt paving crews offer a low-priced opportunity to repair or pave your residential or business driveway. They will normally tell you that they just finished another job and have leftover asphalt, and they offer to apply it to your driveway for a low price. In some recent cases, sealant for driveways is applied without asking for permission. Sometimes only patchy, small amounts were applied and caused the overall finish to look mismatched and discolored.
Sheriff’s officials say the quality of the material used and the manner it is applied is also often of poor quality. They report that these companies sometimes say that they will apply the asphalt three to four inches thick, when in actuality the finished application is just two inches or less. By the time you notice the problems the company that completed the work is long gone.
The Sheriff’s Office says people should watch for these clues that the operation could be a scam:
• No contract offered: Always make certain there is a written contract. Without a written contract, the original low estimate you were given may grow into hundreds of dollars or even thousands after the work is finished.
• They will push you to make a quick decision: Reputable contractors will provide a written estimate that will be valid for weeks or even months. Good contractors leave the decision to you without pressure.
• Unmarked trucks: Suspicious trucks usually will not have business markings or names on them or will have an out of town address and phone number displayed.
The sheriff’s office says people should ask for references and do a check on them before agreeing to have any work started. They suggest getting a written estimate and telling them you will get back to them. They say that making sure that you first get bids from other local paving companies before granting them permission to start is also a good way to compare prices.
The Sioux County Sheriff’s Office says that the best advice is to know who you are doing business with. They say that in many cases, you are safer dealing with a contractor who has local ties to the community.
They say if you are in doubt, don’t agree to any services. If these companies pressure you or begin work without your permission, the sheriff’s office says don’t wait; contact your law enforcement agency immediately.
