One of the most common scams that emerge around this time of year is what is known as the “paving scam.” The perpetrators usually prey upon members of the senior citizen community, which can cost the victims hundreds of dollars.
These criminals usually approach a community member unannounced and offer to pave their driveway at a discounted rate. Shortly after beginning the work, they demand payment, usually of a far greater amount than was agreed upon. The perpetrator often becomes aggressive, threatening when questioned, to intimidate the victim into paying.
Please remember the following helpful tips whenever someone is trying to engage in business with you:
- You always have the right to say no to any service or business. If you don’t agree to the terms, or just want to do business with another company, just say no!
- Do not let anyone pressure you into anything! If someone makes you uncomfortable, ask them to leave. If they refuse, call the police.
- Do not let anyone start any work without your consent. If they try to, tell them to stop immediately and to leave. If they don’t leave, call the police.
- Always ask for a written contract, and don’t let anyone pressure you into signing anything before you are ready. Take time to read everything. If you don’t understand anything, either have the business representative or someone that you trust explain it to you until you are satisfied before you sign anything.
- Ask for references, contact the Better Business Bureau, and make sure that a company is licensed and insured before doing business with them.
- Go online through the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation to check to see if someone has a contractor’s license before letting them do any work for you.
Corporal Craig Eckrich
Chesterfield County Police Department
Community Services Division
2730 Hicks Road
North Chesterfield, Virginia 23235
Phone: 804-706-2982
Fax: 804-674-6807