How to Avoid Asphalt Paving Scams

Our crew is committed to working efficiently and producing quality results. But not all asphalt companies share our work ethic. In fact, asphalt paving scams are more common than you may like to think.

Scammers love to target homes that have old, deteriorating driveways. They may even watch a house to see who lives there and are more likely to approach homeowners who are elderly or young and inexperienced.

The good news is that many dishonest contractors use the same scams. This gives you the chance to spot them before you pay a penny.

If you suspect you’re dealing with a scammer, file a report with your local police department and the Better Business Bureau.

Also, be sure to follow our tips below to avoid asphalt paving scams.

Be Suspicious of Deep Discounts

Don’t trust contractors who promise deep discounts. When it comes to asphalt paving, you get what you pay for. It’s worth taking your time to research asphalt companies before committing to driveway repair or replacement.

Often scammers are able to offer low prices because they claim they’re using leftover materials from a previous job. Keep in mind that what these scammers are offering is completely different from asphalt recycling. While our company sometimes uses recycled asphalt, we always make sure that we have enough for your driveway.

Scammers use scraps from a previous job to partially repair your driveway. When they run out of asphalt, they promise to return the next day only to disappear with your money.

Mistrust Out-Of-State License Plates

Established driveway pavers have spent years building their reputations by doing quality work. Scammers move from town to town to avoid getting caught. That’s why a shady contractor may have an out-of-state license plate.

We recommend choosing a company that has been doing work in your area for several years. For example, the average employee at ACT Asphalt Specialties Co. has 15 years of experience in the industry. Not only is our company local, but our senior leaders and foreman have been providing asphalt repair for 20 years or more.

Even if a company representative gives you a local phone number, that’s not a guarantee that they’re actually from your area. It’s not uncommon for scammers to give you a local number that goes to a disposable phone. That’s why you should always do your research before you hire.

Don’t Pay in Cash

Don’t pay your contractor in cash, especially if they’re pressuring you to pay a huge lump-sum up front. That’s a major red flag.

Always have a paper trail. For example, you’ll want to keep copies of any checks you give the contractor and write a detailed description in the memo field.

Also, remember that debit and credit cards don’t offer the same protections. You can dispute a charge on a credit card. But many banks don’t protect debit transactions in the same way.

Depending on the scale of your project, a contractor may ask for a percentage of the total cost up front. But the rest of the payments should be staggered throughout the project, giving you the opportunity to inspect the work at different stages.

Make sure your contract outlines a clear payment schedule before you and your contractor sign.

Don’t Trust Door-to-Door Salespeople

Legitimate contractors don’t need to go door-to-door to solicit business. Instead, they rely on their company’s reputation and marketing to attract new customers. It’s always a red flag if a contractor knocks on your door and pressures you to accept an estimate you didn’t ask for.

Likewise, don’t believe anyone who calls you directly to say that they’ve noticed the condition of your driveway and want to offer their services. This is just a variation of the same scam.

Call ACT Asphalt Specialties Co.

The best way to avoid a paving scam is to research asphalt companies before giving them your business. Our Minneapolis driveway pavers are more than happy to answer any of your questions so you can make the best decision for your paved surface and budget.

To request an estimate for driveway or parking lot paving, call ACT Asphalt Specialties Co. at (651) 484-1696.

This blog post has been updated.