Potential driveway paving scam extends to PG

The Prince George RCMP is warning the public about a seasonal scam that has cropped up once again.

“In the past week we have received two reports of businesses being scammed out of large sums of money by a company that is offering to lay asphalt but then is not completing the project to satisfaction. In one case, it appeared the company only laid loose gravel, suggesting it would seal itself after a few days. These are very similar to reports received by the Vanderhoof RCMP earlier in April,” stated Corporal Jennifer Cooper.

Last week, Mounties in Vanderhoof reported a similar problem.

Police say this is a familiar scam in Prince George, where individuals or groups go door-to-door offering to lay asphalt on a driveway or parking lot for a discounted rate, often suggesting it is the surplus from a nearby job. They may pressure the customer to make a quick decision, suggesting the asphalt will not stay good for long and that the work needs to be completed quickly, leaving no time to research the company.

RCMP urge people to be cautious about offers that need to be completed quickly or seem too good to be true. Research the company online and ask to see their business license. If the company won’t wait around for this to happen, or can’t provide you with the information you are requesting, it is probably best to decline the service.

Anyone who has been the victim of a scam or fraud, should report it to police as well as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.