Ross Police Issue New Warning About Recent Paving Scams

With the arrival of warmer weather, road crews will be busy repairing damage from the salt and snow of winter.

Ross Township police  are warning residents who might want to have their asphalt driveways patched or resealed to be careful about who they hire.

"We've gotten reports of paving scam incidents in  Avalon, and Bellevue," said Ross police Detective Brian Kohlhepp.

One of the more recent incidents involved Sieb's Pub  on Babcock Boulevard.

"A contractor doing some paving nearby offered to patch a few potholes at the bottom of the restaurant's driveway for $200," said Kohlhepp. "The owners told us the patching job they did was much larger than first offered, and the contractor wanted $3,000. That's when we were called."

Officers arrived, as the contractor was quickly packing up his truck. No money ever changed hands and the asphalt crew left, Kohlhepp said.

"Our officers did cite the contractor for safety violations on his vehicles, and we did alert the attorney general's office of the incident," said Kohlhepp. "But since no money was exchanged, after conferring with the district attorney's office, it was determined no charges would be filed."

Kohlhepp says the Sieb's incident should serve as important reminder for homeowners.

"Never let anyone into your home until you know they are who they say they are, and always look for credentials," said Kohlhepp. “They should have an ID number issued by the Attorney General’s Office, and you should be able to go online or call the Attorney General’s Office and verify that.” 

Click here to learn how to verify a contractor's I-D or call 1-888-520-6680 toll free.

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