Fairview RCMP are looking to get a head of a paving scam making rounds in the Peace Country. Police say they have been receiving an increased number of complaints regarding asphalt-paving company scams in the area, where residents have been reporting that out-of-town companies claiming to be pavers are offering their services for cheap.
Those who have been taken in have reportedly been paying for the service up-front and then receiving a sub-standard job. Mounties say in situations like this, companies typically provide false addresses and false contact information to the customer, and once payment has been collected, the company disappears from the area before the customer discovers the shoddy job.
The Fairview RCMP says there are tips of keeping yourself from becoming a victim of this particular scam, by doing things like asking for names or references of previous customers, research the company through the Better Business Bureau in Alberta, the Consumer Investigations Unit, local Crime Watch or on Social Media. Police say no one should agree to the work if you feel pressured or if the contractor refuses to take “no” for an answer.