Paving scam across Alberta prompts RCMP warning

(File)

RCMP are warning residents in St. Albert about a paving scam they say is popping up in parts of Alberta.

Police said that out-of-town paving companies are going door-to-door offering paving services for low rates.

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The scammers will ask for the payment up front and do a sub-standard job, ask for more money to finish the job or not finish a job and leave before.

According to RCMP, the vehicles will sometimes have official-looking company logos that are magnetic and can be swapped out as needed, or not have any commercial company logos. The people will also not provide details about who they are.

They say the cost is low because they have leftover asphalt from a previous job, RCMP said, but the material is actually cold, recycles asphalt or oil and gravel with no lasting properties.

The scammers also sometimes offer roof-sealing services.

RCMP warn Albertans to be wary of contractors who:

• come to your door saying they are working in the area and offering a deal for leftover asphalt;
• drive vehicles bearing no business names or logos;
• pressure you into making a quick decision or refuse to take “no” for an answer;
• ask for a down payment to buy materials; and
• refuse to give you a written quote with their business name, physical address and outlining the services they will provide prior to completing the work.

Police suggest people do their research before hiring contractors, including:

• getting several quotes from different companies for comparison;
• checking with the Better Business Bureau of Alberta to see if said companies are legitimate;
• researching companies with Consumers Investigation Unit and other social media sites;
• obtain a written quote from the contractor that includes the full business name, full address, phone number, GST number and provincial and municipal license numbers, if applicable; and
• if one quote is considerably lower than others received, maybe it is too good to be true.

Anyone who has been a victim of this scam or seen anyone posing as paving contractors in St. Albert that they believe is suspicious is asked to contact RCMP at 780-458-7700.