INNISFAIL – Mounties are sounding the alarm about asphalt-paving company scams in the Innisfail area.
In a media release, RCMP Cpl. Troy Savinkoff said out-of-town companies claiming to be pavers are offering their services at an inexpensive rate, and not delivering quality work.
“Residents are paying for the service up-front and then receiving a sub-standard job or being asked to pay more than the original quote,” said Savinkoff. “These companies, who will sometimes also offer roof sealing services, will then disappear from the area before people realize they have been scammed.
“These individuals have been known to provide few details of their identity and utilize non-descript vehicles rarely bearing commercial logos," he added. “Some of these fraudulent companies do have logos to appear legitimate.”
Savinkoff said Innisfail RCMP is urging property owners to beware of out-of-town companies offering such services.
“The contractors claim to have leftover asphalt from previous jobs and promise to provide quality services,” said Savinkoff. “However, the product used is believed to be cold, recycled asphalt or a gravel and oil mixture with no lasting properties.
"This results is the asphalt falling apart once it is driven on.”
Savinkoff said RCMP is reminding residents to exercise caution when retaining contractor services.
“If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is,” he said. “Citizens are advised to be cautious of any cold approach or unsolicited offers from paving companies.”
Savinkoff said residents should be weary of any contractors with the following types of behaviours:
• coming to your door saying they are working in the area and offering a deal for leftover asphalt;
• driving vehicles bearing no business names or logos;
• pressuring you into making a quick decision or refuse to take “no” for an answer;
• asking for a down payment to buy materials, and
• refusing to give you a written quote with their business name, physical address and outlining the services they will provide prior to completing the work.
The following are tips from the RCMP to avoid falling prey to scammers:
• before agreeing to a contract with a person who comes to your door, get names of their previous customers and verify that they were satisfied with the work;
• do some research on the company with either the Better Business Bureau in Alberta, with the Consumer Investigations Unit, with your local Rural Crime Watch or on social media sites;
• make sure to 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;
• ensure the quote you receive gives details such as the quantity and the quality of materials being offered, and
• obtain quotes from local suppliers as a form of comparison.
Savinkoff said if anyone is approached by a paving company and is concerned it is suspicious do not hesitate to contact the RCMP.
Anyone who has fallen victim to this scam can contact the Innisfail RCMP detachment at 403- 227-3342, or their local police.
Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the P3 Tips app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.
