GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The Northwestern District Attorney’s Office has issued a warning to residents in regards to an increase in paving scams. Homeowners across the region have fallen victim to a scam costing them thousands of dollars to paving crews utilizing faulty materials, if they even complete the job. Homeowners are encouraged to refuse offers without written contracts, permits, or pressure to decide on the spot.
From the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office:
DA’s Office issues warning about increase in paving scams
The Northwestern District Attorney’s Office is alerting residents to an increase in asphalt paving scams. Homeowners across the region lose thousands of dollars to rogue paving crews who show up unannounced offering to repair, pave, or sealcoat driveways with faulty materials.
“Vigilance is the best defense against these schemes,” said Northwestern Assistant District Attorney Andrew Covington. “These asphalt paving scams often target the most vulnerable residents. We encourage residents to report suspicious offers immediately to your local police department.”
Paving scams often target elderly residents, with fraudsters using high-pressure tactics to get quick cash, but leaving victims with shoddy or unfinished work. Many crews vanish once the work is done or abandoned, leaving victims with little recourse.
The scams often play out this way: Crews show up at a home, claiming they have material left over from a nearby job with an offer of a bargain price if the homeowner agrees immediately. However, the materials used are of poor quality, the work is rushed, and the driveway often begins to crack, crumble, or wash away. When the problems appear, however, the crew is long gone.
Sometimes, crews start additional work without permission, then demand more cash. If the homeowner refuses, the crew threatens to abandon the driveway without finishing the job or even threatening to take property until payment is made.
Homeowners should refuse offers of work that include no written contracts or cash-only payments and pressure to decide on the spot. Other red flags are no verifiable references; no work permits; out-of-state license plates or crews that can’t provide a local address or business history. Residents are asked to report suspicious paving crews to their local police department immediately.