Leftover Pavement Scam Alert: Waltham Police

WALTHAM, MA — Police are warning residents about a scam in the area that may be making the rounds.

Police posted an image of a man wearing a bright traffic vest knocking on a door. You can see an industrial dump truck in the background. Police said people like him have been knocking on doors claiming they have extra, or leftover pavement and can offer a "good deal" on driveway repaving.

'This 'good deal' typically results in him running out of pavement and saying he will return to finish the job. If he does return, the price will rise dramatically. We don't want you to get scammed, call us if you suspect someone is attempting to scam you," police said in a social media post.

Check out this video of someone in the South who had a similar experience.

Related:

• Scam Alert: Waltham Police Warn Residents About ...
• Scam Alert: Waltham Police Warn About Fake Home Repair

Tips from the Westford Police Department:

• Beware of crews who approach you in your yard. These crews often promise low estimates because of leftover materials from a completed job a few houses away or on a nearby highway project. They may offer a guarantee but often the quality of the material used and application is inferior and you may soon have weeds growing through the new asphalt. Unfortunately, the paving crew is long gone by the time you discover you have a problem. It may cost you more to redo the driveway after the fresh look washes away with the next rain shower.
• Ask for a written contract. Beware of individuals who offer to do the work without a written contract. Without a written contract, the original low estimate may grow to hundreds or even thousands of dollars once the work is completed.
• Cash payments are a red flag. If the crew insists on cash payments, that's another tip-off. If checks are accepted at all, they are cashed immediately at the nearest bank.
• Ask for references. Don't do business with anyone who won't provide references. Ask up front for references and check them thoroughly.
• Have the work done on your schedule. Resist contractors who insist the work be done immediately. Take time to get bids from established local paving companies to compare prices. Take the crew's written estimate and tell them you will get back to them.
• Ask to see their permit. A transient merchant's permit is issued by the Police Department. The permit process has the salesman and their business checked out by the Police Department.

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).