Palos Park police offer warning about asphalt paving scams

PALOS PARK, Ill. — Authorities in the Southwest suburbs are offering a warning to residents about a scam targeting homeowners.

According to Palos Park Police Chief Joe Miller, asphalt paving scams begin when a person knocks on a homeowner’s door and offers to pave their driveway at a discounted rate, telling the resident that they have extra asphalt from another job that needs to be used.

Once the work begins, the scammer claims that there is a mistake or issue with the project and informs the homeowner that the price for the job has climbed by thousands of dollars.

If the homeowner refuses to pay the additional money, the scammer threatens to leave the driveway incomplete.

In many cases, the homeowners are unable to contact the company, as the scammer provides a false name or the name of another company name that was not involved.

Miller said the scammer’s high-pressure approach can confusing and intimidating to victims, who are usually senior citizens.

According to Miller, people who agree to the project and those who do not firmly refuse the offer can be affected, as a crew quickly appears at the home and begins work.

What can residents do?

Several steps can be taken to avoid falling victim to an asphalt paving scam.

Be wary of unsolicited offers

Residents are advised to be wary of unsolicited offers. Miller advises residents to be wearing of workers who offer services that were never requested. According to Miller, most scams begin when random workers go out of their way to offer unsolicited estimates.

Research companies

Those who are seeking asphalt work are advised to check reliable sources before hiring anyone. Residents are advised to avoid hiring workers and companies with multiple bad reviews and complaints.

Get things in writing

Those seeking asphalt work should ask for an estimate in writing before discussing payment. Miller said residents should never let companies begin any projects until detailed and signed contracts are in place.

Stagger payments

Residents who do seek out work are advised to never pay the full project amount in full upfront or before work has begun. According to Miller, residents should agree to stagger payments so they can inspect work at several stages throughout the project.

Use safe payment methods

Residents who do pay for work are advised to use a credit card to reduce risk. If a check is used, Miller said residents should make sure to make it out to a company and not an individual.

Miller also advises against using cash or electronic wallet apps, as they can be risky since there is no way to stop the payment in the event of an issue.

Anyone who falls victim or sees something suspicious is advised to contact 911.

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