The High River RCMP wanted to let you know that there are ongoing paving scams out there.
Recent incidents have involved illegitimate, out-of-town companies offering discounted asphalt-paving services.
It's the same scam that's been going on for quite some time and involves contractors claiming they have leftover material and are willing to do driveways and parking lots at too-good-to-be-true prices.
While some work is actually done, it's been found to be substandard and unprofessional. Once victims try and contact the company, they discover they can't because of false phone numbers or addresses.
Here are some tips they are offering to help avoid falling for one of the scams.
- 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, your local Rural Crime Watch, or on social media.
- Obtain a written quote that includes the full business name, address, phone number, GST number, as well as provincial and municipal license numbers, if applicable.
- Quotes should specify the quantity and quality of materials being offered. Be skeptical if contractors decline to provide this information.
- Seek estimates from reputable companies to compare costs.
- Do not agree to a contract if you feel pressured or if the contractor refuses to take “no” for an answer.
- Be leery of unsolicited offers. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
If you do find you've been the victim of one of these scams, you're asked to call the RCMP at 310-RCMP (7267) or make a report to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by calling 1-888-495-8501.