Sheriff Bobby Smith is warning local residents about a rise in driveway paving scams targeting homeowners in Texas. Scammers are approaching homeowners with unsolicited offers for driveway paving or repairs, often promising low prices but demanding large upfront payments. After receiving payment, these fraudsters may either disappear or perform poor-quality work.
How the Scam Works:
Unsolicited Offers: Scammers offer discounted prices or claim to have leftover materials, pressuring homeowners into paying for unrequested services.
Large Upfront Payments: Victims are pressured into paying a significant portion of the fee upfront, often in cash.
Poor Quality or No Work: Once payment is made, scammers may perform substandard work or disappear entirely.
Intimidation Tactics: Scammers may use threats, such as lawsuits, to intimidate homeowners into paying more.
Impersonation: Fraudsters often impersonate legitimate companies and leave fake contact details, making it hard to track them down.
How to Protect Yourself:
Be Wary of Unsolicited Offers: Always be cautious if a contractor approaches you first.
Research Contractors Thoroughly: Check the contractor’s reputation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or other consumer protection agencies.
Get Everything in Writing: Always have a clear, written contract before making payments.
Stagger Payments: Avoid paying in full upfront. Agree to a payment schedule that allows you to inspect the work as it progresses.
Don’t Pay in Cash: Paying by credit card or check provides proof of payment in case of fraud.
Trust Your Instincts: If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is.
If you believe you have been targeted by a scam or have fallen victim to one, contact the
Orange County Sheriff’s Office immediately at (409) 883-2612.
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