Full Notification

The Clallam County Sheriff’s Office is warning county resident to beware of asphalt paving scams. During this time of year, out of county paving businesses will approach a homeowner or a business and offer to repave a driveway or parking lot for a great low price. They will often target senior citizens and tell them that they’ve just finished with a nearby paving project and have some material left over. They will usually insist on cash at the time of the work. Unfortunately, the asphalt starts to deteriorate shortly after they complete the job and leave the area.

Citizens are advised to never be pressured into making quick decisions, especially if the price appears to be too good to be true. It is usually safer to deal with a local business that has been in the community for a number of years. Always ask for references and identification. You should also be wary of great bargains, lifetime guarantees and other high-pressure sales tactics. It’s wise to ask for written bids from several contractors and evaluate all aspects of their bids.

You can also check with the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries to see if the contractor is registered, licensed, bonded, and insured to work in our state. You can easily do so by visiting their website at www.lni.wa.gov. The website will also tell you how long they have been registered, if they have any lawsuits against their bond and if they have been cited for any violations. It pays to do your homework to protect yourself against fraud.