Attorney General Bird Warns Against Asphalt Scams

DES MOINES-Attorney General Brenna Bird is warning Iowans about an increase in asphalt scams, specifically happening in Tama County (which may have now spread to surrounding counties).

In an asphalt scam, a crew arrives at your door unannounced. The supposed "contractor" will often claim to have asphalt leftover from another job performed nearby and offer to pave your driveway for a discount to unload the extra material. This is a scam. The fraudsters will ask you to pay up front. Then they will poorly "pave" your driveway with bad materials that will cost you more to fix or simply take off with your money. The scammers disappear before any issues can be addressed.

"Never pay up front for a job before the work is done," said Attorney General Bird. "Scammers are smart and know how to make it sound like they are just looking for a quick way to use up extra hot mix and do you a favor. If a quote for a job seems too good to be true, it probably is."

Here are some signs of an asphalt scam:

• A crew shows up to your home unsolicited.

• The crew has out of state plates.

• The crew offers a discount or a price that is "too good to be true" to unload extra material.

• The contractor asks for money up front.

Before you hire someone to do an asphalt job:

• Obtain written estimates from multiple contractors and get in writing the terms of the contract.

• Seek referrals from people you know and trust.

• Ask to see licenses and permits and ask if the solicitor is bonded.

• Never pay in full until the work is completed, limit what you pay in advance, do not pay in cash, and get a receipt for your payment.

If you have concerns about anyone showing up at your home to sell you something or feel threatened by them, turn them away. Write down a description of the vehicle, driver, and license plate information and contact your local law enforcement agency.

Any Iowan who is suspicious of an asphalt scam should immediately contact the Iowa Attorney General's Office at 1-888-777-4590 or online here.

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For More Information:

Jen Green

[email protected]