Needham Police Warn of Driveway Scams

If your drive could use a little patching up, the summer could be the perfect time for it. However, make sure you don't end up getting scammed. 

In the spring and summer months, paving scams happen fairly regularly, according to a press release sent by local police, and these scams often target senior citizens. From the Needham Police Department's public service announcement (emphasis ours): 

A man knocks on your door and says he has extra asphalt and is willing to pave your driveway at a discounted price. His high-pressure approach confuses and intimidates. You are not getting a deal, you are being scammed. 

If you agree, here is what likely happens.  Men and equipment suddenly appear and begin “working” on your driveway.  At some point, the conman claims a mistake was made and you owe thousands more than the original price.  He threatens that if you refuse to pay, the “work” will cease.  You may be escorted to the bank, to withdraw money.  When you realize the scam you try to cancel the check only to learn it was cashed within minutes of it being written.

If you face a scenario like this, police have a few suggestions on how to talk your way out of it. 

• Ask to see the contractor's insurance permit. If it is a conman, he may not have it. If one of the "workers" is injured at your home, they may hold you liable.
• Do not let them into your home, and calmly, but firmly tell them you are not interested. If they persist, threaten to contact police. 
• Call police if unfamiliar people or work crews appear in your neighborhood, or if you have any questions.

According to the AARP, other things to look out for are unsolicited work starting, requests for cash payments or the entire job upfront, and contractors who are not in a local directory.

Police close their announcement saying, "When faced with one of these scammers remember, there is no such thing as extra asphalt."