Door-to-door scammers offer illegit paving services

Attorney General Lawrence Wasden is warning Idahoans about individuals and companies going door-to-door offering paving services.

“This is a common summer scam where the scammers claim they have leftover asphalt and offer to pave driveways or sidewalks for a discounted rate,” the Attorney General’s office said in a press release “The scammers’ work is often shoddy, and they sometimes demand payment for thousands of dollars more than their original quote.”

AG officials urged caution with any door-to-door seller who does not provide a physical address.

While an internet search can help verify the sellers’ cancellation address is a valid physical address, scammers may attempt to use a legitimate business’s address, AG officials said

“Paving scammers may say that they are a local business and have trucks with Idaho license plates,” they said. “Usually, however, the scammers are transitory and have no physical address. This makes it very difficult to locate them for future redress.”

If you are offered a suspicious paving service, especially by a door-to-door salesperson, attorney general staff recommend resident demand they provide the Idaho Consumer Protection Act’s mandatory three-day right-to-cancel disclosure.

“Consumers should never buy from a door-to-door seller who can’t provide the cancellation disclosure or who claims the requirement doesn’t apply to their services,” AG officials said

Furthermore, companies also should have Idaho contractor registration numbers that homeowners can verify through the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses.

Anyone who encounters a paving scam or loses money to one, officials advised residents u file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.

Complaint forms are available at www.ag.idaho.gov or by calling 208-334-2424.