Hinton RCMP warning property owners of asphalt-paving contractor scam

Hinton RCMP are warning property owners of an increased number of scams regarding asphalt paving in the area.

• Download our app to get Edmonton alerts on your device

Multiple people have reported out-of-town companies that claim to be pavers and offer services at an inexpensive rate, police said in a news release on Monday.

They’re made to pay up front and receive a “sub-standard” job or are asked to pay more than the original quote.

“These companies, who will sometimes also offer roof-sealing services, will then disappear from the area before people realize they have been scammed,” RCMP said in the release.

“These individuals have been known to provide few details of their identity and utilize non-descript vehicles rarely bearing commercial logos.”

These particular scammers claim to have leftover asphalt from previous jobs, but the product used is believed to be cold, recycled asphalt or a gravel-and-oil mixture with no lasting properties, police said.

This mixture falls apart when it’s driven on.

RCMP say people should be wary of any contractors who drive vehicles without business names or logos, pressure customers into making decisions, ask for a down payment to buy materials, and refuse to give a written quote with their business name and physical address.

Anyone who has fallen victim to this scam can call the Hinton RCMP detachment at 780-865-5544 or Crime Stoppers.