Wenham Police Alert Area Residents to Driveway Paving Scams

For Immediate Release

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Wenham Police Alert Area Residents to Driveway Paving Scams

There’s no such thing as ‘extra asphalt’

Police Chief Thomas Perkins is alerting area residents to costly driveway paving scams that cycle around the region this time of year, increasing as the weather turns warm.

The scenario is similar each time: A man knocks on your door saying he has some extra asphalt from a job and is willing to pave your driveway at a deep discount. It is usually a high-pressure “let’s get it done now” approach that can confuse and intimidate, especially senior residents or new homeowners.

“When this person approaches you, it’s not a deal. It’s a scam,” Chief Perkins said.

If you agree, suddenly men and equipment appear at your house and start “working.” But something “goes wrong” and the ringleader claims that you owe thousands of dollars more than the original price quote. He threatens to leave your driveway in shambles and “cease work” if you don’t pay. He may even escort you to the bank to withdraw money.

This is a sophisticated but unfortunately common con being perpetuated on residents, and the Wenham Police Department urges any homeowner to immediate call 911 if they are approached in this fashion.

“If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. There’s simply no such thing as ‘extra asphalt,’” Chief Perkins said.

Wenham Police urge the following:

• Beware of people coming to your home unsolicited, offering to do paving work.
• Do not let solicitors inside your home.
• Be calm, but firm, and tell them that you are not interested. Ask them to leave your property. If they do not comply, call the police.
• If you do hire a contractor or worker for your driveway, ask to see their proof of solicitors’ insurance.
• Be alert for these kinds of people in your neighborhood. They typically target seniors.
• Call the police if people begin “working” on your property with our your permision.

Anyone with questions, concerns, or who suspects they may have been a victim can call the Wenham Police Department at 978-468-4000.

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