Dozens of complaints are rolling into Better Business Bureau and the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries from consumers who are upset about poor-quality paving work. Property owners say that crews show up and offer incredible paving deals but leave driveways and walkways in worse conditions.

“Every year we hear about fraudulent contractors doing shoddy work,” warns Robert W.G. Andrew, CEO of BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington. “Unfortunately, this is a common seasonal problem that costs homeowners thousands of dollars and gives the paving industry, as a whole, a bad reputation.”

How the Scam Works:

An out–of-state contractor wanders neighborhoods trying to get rid of “leftover asphalt” from a recent job. After negotiating a seemingly great price, the customer makes a large upfront payment and the crew goes to work. With no contract, the customer is left with little recourse when the workers don’t pave the entire driveway, spread the asphalt too thin and destroy expensive landscaping on the way out. L-&-I says that these types of fraudsters are known for preying on seniors and will often immediately leave town after completing jobs.

“These activities are a frequent source of complaints,” said L&I Director Joel Sacks. “They cause millions of dollars in damage every year to homeowners, frequently targeting the most vulnerable among us.”

BBB and L&I advise consumer to take a concrete stance against fraud.

• Door-to-Door: Reputable asphalt contractors will rarely, if ever, randomly knock on doors offering deals; refer to BBB’s Accredited Business Directory to find reputable licensed contractors.
• High-Pressure: Turn down high-pressure sales tactics by shutting the door or walking away. Professional contractors will provide written estimates instead of demanding up-front cash.
• Out-of-State: Be wary of crews with unmarked vehicles and out-of-state license plates; companies which have local telephone numbers may still be based elsewhere.
• Bids and Contracts: Compare prices with similar companies in the area. Insist on written contracts specifying details of the job; ask for references from local clients.
• Clever Pitches: Steer clear of too-good-to-be-true offers.

L-&-I recently launched the ProtectMyHome campaign, allowing consumers to easily check contractor registrations; find worksheets for screening potential contractors and guides on how to spot problems during projects. BBB and L-&-I also remind consumers to never entirely pre-pay for services.