Wakefield Police Warn of Paving Scams

Wakefield Police officials say that they continually run into incidents involving paving scams and want to warn the public during the summer months, especially. 

Police say that conmen will show up at your house and claim to have extra paving materials and offer to repave your driveway for a reasonable cost. However, halfway through the conmen will say that a mistake was made and that you owe thousands of dollars more. 

And these solicitors will often escort you to the bank to withdraw money. In the case a check is written, they will often cash it within minutes of you giving it to them. 

Police say advise residents to never allow unsolicitors workers on their property to do work. 

Avoid victimization and consider the following suggestions (This was provided by the AARP):

• Beware of unsolicited offers to do paving work. Do not let the solicitors inside your home. Calmly but firmly tell the solicitors you are not interested and tell them to leave your property. If they refuse your instructions call the police.
• Educate yourself and your family. Search the internet for “paving scams.”
• Ask to see proof of the solicitors’ insurance. Conmen rarely have worker’s compensation insurance and if one of them is injured at your home, the claim could be made againstyour homeowner’s insurance.
• Call the police if they begin “working” without your consent for service.Be a good neighbor.
• Paving scams target senior citizens. Call the police if you have questions, or if unfamiliar people or companies appear at your door or in your neighborhood.