HINTON – Police are warning property owners of paving contractor scams after receiving an increased number of complaints in the area.
According to these reports, out-of-town companies claiming to be pavers are offering their services at an inexpensive rate.
Residents pay for these services up front and receive a substandard job or are asked to pay more than originally quoted. The contractors will then disappear from the area before people realize they have been scammed.
“Hinton RCMP urges property owners to beware of out-of-town companies offering such services,” police stated in a release. “The contractors claim to have leftover asphalt from previous jobs and promise to provide quality services. However, the product used is believed to be cold, recycled asphalt or a gravel and oil mixture with no lasting properties. This results in the asphalt falling apart once it is driven on.”
These individuals have been known to provide few details of their identity and utilize nondescript vehicles rarely bearing commercial logos. They may also offer roof sealing services.
Residents should also be weary of any contractors who pressure them into making a quick decision, refuse to take “no” for an answer, ask for a down payment to buy materials or refuse to provide a quote with the proper information, including their business name, physical address and the services they will provide prior to completing the work.
Police offered the following tips 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.
- Obtain quotes from local suppliers as a form of comparison.
Anyone who has fallen victim to this scam can contact Hinton RCMP at 780-865-5544. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) online at or by using the “P3 Tips” app.
