As the mercury rises, so do the activities of scammers, particularly those offering driveway paving services in Waterloo Region. The region’s residents are being urged to remain vigilant.
Samantha Falkiner, a resident of Cambridge, recounts a disturbing encounter that occurred at her doorstep one sunny Friday afternoon. At precisely 1:30 p.m., a knock came. A man, spotlessly dressed in a high visibility vest, khaki pants, and boots, posed a question: “Are you looking to get your driveway done?” Despite Falkiner’s disinterest, the man pressed on, claiming a special one-day deal. The incongruence between his pristine attire and the messy nature of asphalt work immediately sparked suspicion in Falkiner.
The man handed over a business card and swiftly moved on. A quick online search confirmed Falkiner’s suspicions—the business was fictitious, with the provided address merely leading to an on-ramp of the 401 highway, unregistered and unrecognized by any credible agency including the Better Business Bureau. Falkiner promptly reported the incident to the Waterloo regional police.
In an ongoing investigation, the Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) advised that such scammers often target neighborhoods with offers that expire the same day, equipped with fraudulent credentials. The General Investigations Unit has noticed an uptick in reports regarding unsolicited offers not just for paving, but also for concrete and foundation work.
Tips to Dodge Driveway Scams:
- Research: Always verify a company’s credentials online.
- References: Ask for and actually check references.
- Payments: Avoid paying in cash; insist on detailed invoices and estimates in writing.
- Price Comparisons: Compare quotes from multiple providers.
Graeme O’Brien, owner of O’Brien Paving, with over four decades of experience, shares that these frauds are typically executed by transient groups looking to make a quick buck, often leaving town before they can be apprehended. They tend to offer services at significantly reduced costs or ask for deposits only to vanish. O’Brien emphasizes the importance of homeowners conducting their own research before making any payments. He advises skepticism towards door-to-door solicitors and recommends obtaining written quotes on official letterhead and verifying them through reliable directories.
“Real companies don’t randomly show up with leftover materials from another job,” O’Brien added, debunking a common scam tactic. “And they certainly don’t travel hundreds of kilometers for a single driveway job.”
As spring ushers in not just flowers but also less welcome visitors, residents are encouraged to approach such unsolicited offers with a healthy dose of skepticism and due diligence. This season, let’s keep our wits as sharp as our garden shears!
