(HOWICK, ON) – A couple from Howick called Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) on May 13, 2014 to report a possible paving scam. The couple reported on May 6, 2014 a male showed up at the residence offering to pave their laneway for a great deal. He stated he was in the area doing work and had a spare load of asphalt that he could sell them for a discount. He told them they had to act quickly or he would move on. The owner of the property asked if they would take $3500 cash and they struck a deal on the spot.
The paving crew was at the residence within minutes and started on the job. Part way through the job the property owners started having concerns about the quality of the paving job. The recycled pavement was described as crumbling on the edges and was a mix of gravel and sand not asphalt. At this point the salesman stated he would take them around to some other laneways that he had completed in nearby Fordwich. The couple was taken to two other laneways and the quality of the paving jobs they saw were well below standard. One of the recently paved driveways had dandelions and grass poking through the asphalt.
During the time the salesman was showing off the other laneways the paving crew back at their residence had packed up and left. The driveway was not completely finished and the overall quality was well below standard. The salesman left them a business card claiming to be from Mississauga and they marketed themselves as “Specialists in recycled asphalt and highway grade asphaltâ€.
The owner has contacted the salesman several times over the last week and there have been numerous excuses and reasons given as to why they can’t get there to finish off the job to the customer’s satisfaction.
With the warmer weather, scammers will be going door-to-door offering numerous services such a paving, and roofing. If someone comes to your door, ask to see some identification. If you are interested in what this person has to offer, take time to find out about their business and their offer.