St. Paul RCMP are warning residents to ongoing paving scams involving fraudulent contractor services targeting small-town property owners and rural residents.
Police say out-of-town companies have been offering discounted paving jobs, claiming to use leftover materials from other projects. They are also warning that the offers often come with promises of fast services at low prices.
“Companies may use business names that suggest they are affiliated with a government road maintenance department and typically provide false addresses or contact information,” reads the RCMP release. “After contractors collect payment they disappear from the area, customers discover the materials used are poor quality and the work is unprofessional.” RCMP also note that victims are being left with costly repairs.
To help project from these scams RCMP are suggesting the following tips. Ask for names of previous customers. Research the company through the Better Business Bureau in Alberta, the Consumer Investigations Unit, your local Rural Crime Watch, or on social media. Get a written quote that includes the full business name, address, phone number, GST number, as well as provincial and municipal license numbers. Quotes should specify the quantity and quality of materials being offered. Be skeptical if contractors decline to provide this information. Compare quotes from multiple contractors and make sure the work is fully guaranteed. Do not agree to a contract if you feel pressured or if the contractor refuses to take “no” for an answer. Be leery of unsolicited offers.
“If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!” reads the release.
Anyone whoe suspects a scam is asked to contact St. Paul RCMP at 310-RCMP or report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-800-495-8501.
