It seems like there’s another asphalt paving scam going on everywhere you turn. From “gypsy rigs” popping up overnight to shady contractors offering cut-rate prices, it’s hard to determine who to trust for your paving job.
But don’t worry – we’re here to help you sort out the wheat from the chaff when it comes to asphalt paving. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common scams in the industry and how you can avoid them.
What are Gypsy Rigs?
Gypsy Rig scam is where a group of unscrupulous contractors will set up shop in a town or city for a short period, promising low prices and quick turnaround times.
They’ll typically do substandard work, overcharge customers, and then move to the next town before anyone can catch them. Let’s look at some of the most common asphalt scams.
Leftover Asphalt Scam
The scam works like this: the scammer will show up at your door with a truckload of asphalt and offer to pave your driveway for a meager price. Of course, the asphalt is of poor quality and will not last long. But by the time you realize you’ve been scammed, the scammer is long gone.
The best way to avoid this scam is to be aware and research any contractors you’re considering hiring for your next paving project.
Changing Contractor Scam
Here’s how it works: a scammer will contact a homeowner and claim that the previous contractor hired them to finish a job. They’ll say that the job won’t be done unless the homeowner pays them for the work. The scammer may even produce fake documents to support their claim. If the homeowner falls for the scam, they will pay the money, only to never see the “contractor” again. To avoid being scammed, always ask to see proof of previous work before hiring any contractor. You should also check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints filed against the contractor.
Watery Sealcoat Scam
Here’s how it works: a group of scammers will approach a property owner and offer to seal their driveway or parking lot for a meager price. However, their sealcoat is watered down, so it doesn’t provide any real protection. The scammers will quickly move on to their next victim, leaving the property owner with an expensive repair bill. If you’re approached by someone offering to seal your driveway or parking lot, be sure to do your research before signing any contracts.
If you’re looking for ways to avoid any of these scams, we recommend opting for a trusted business to meet any of your asphalt needs. Paradise Asphalt Maintenance, serving Overland Park, KS, has served its customers for decades and provides top-notch quality in a wide range of asphalt paving, patching, and sealcoating services. Get a free estimate today!
