Spring and summer bring warm weather and home improvement projects. However, they also bring out a specific type of predator known as the “paving scammer.” These groups travel from town to town targeting homeowners with driveways that need repair. They show up unannounced with a very specific script. They claim they have “leftover asphalt” from a job down the street. They offer you a massive discount to use it up right now. It sounds like a lucky break, but it is actually a coordinated scam.
The “Leftover Material” Lie
The pitch is always the same to create urgency. The contractor claims they will have to dump the hot asphalt if they don’t use it. Consequently, they offer it to you for a fraction of the price. In reality, there is no leftover material from a previous job. They bought cold, low-grade asphalt specifically to scam you. They want you to make a snap decision without doing research. Legitimate contractors never sell material door-to-door like this.
Why It Is Never a Deal
The work they perform is shockingly poor. They often lay a layer of asphalt so thin it cracks within weeks. Sometimes they simply spray the driveway with a black oily sealant to make it look new. It washes away with the first rain. By the time you realize the driveway is ruined, they are long gone. You are left with a mess that costs thousands to fix properly. The “deal” ends up being far more expensive than hiring a pro.
They Are Watching Your House
This scam serves a dual purpose for many of these rings. While they are talking to you, they are casing your home. They look for security cameras, dogs, and expensive items in the garage. They assess who lives there and when they are home. Police often see a spike in burglaries in neighborhoods shortly after these paving crews pass through. It is not just about the driveway money. It is about assessing your vulnerability for future crimes.
Intimidation Tactics at Payment
The price they quote you at the start is rarely the price they demand at the end. Once the black goo is on your driveway, the mood shifts. They suddenly claim they used more material than expected. They demand thousands more than the agreed price. They often become aggressive and intimidating to force you to pay. They might refuse to leave until you write a check. It is a terrifying shake-down in your own front yard.
The Bottom Line: Send Them Away
If someone knocks on your door offering to pave your driveway, say no immediately. Do not engage in conversation about their “deal.” A real contractor has a backlog of work and does not need to beg for jobs door-to-door. If you need driveway work, call a local company with a physical office. Protect your wallet and your home security by keeping the door closed.
Has a contractor ever tried the “leftover asphalt” line on you?
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