ALERT: Police Warn Against Driveway Repair Company

The Olivette Police Department is warning residents it is receiving complaints about a company trying to perform driveway services and to be on alert. Chief Rick Knox issued the following advisory regarding Basic Blacktop, a driveway sealing company. Knox is asking residents to share this information with their neighbors.

Samples of the fliers being distributed by Basic Blacktop are included in the PDF portion of this article.

Local Police Departments have received several complaints concerning the driveway sealing company, Basic Blacktop by Dawson. The owner, Todd M. Dawson has been accused of not performing contracted services. 

Basic Blacktop by Dawson does not have a permit to solicit in the City of Olivette and has an ‘F’ rating from the Better Business Bureau of St. Louis. 

Residents are encouraged to report any attempts by representatives of Basic Blacktop to solicit business. Contact the Olivette Police Department at (314) 645-3000.

According to the Missouri Attorney General’s web site, Home Repair and Remodeling scams, which includes asphalt and blacktop sealing, have ranked among the top ten reported complaints for the last 3 years. 

Most door-to-door asphalt driveway scams involve scam artists that are not licensed, are not from the area, do not provide a detailed contract, pressure you to let them do the work immediately and usually demand cash payments.

Consumers are advised to do business with local, reputable businesses; to require identification of the supervisor and a written estimate of all proposed work and final price; to research the company on BBB’s web site at stlouis.bbb.org finally, to consult with a trusted friend or family member before authorizing any work. 


*EDITOR'S NOTE: THIS COMPANY NOW HAS A "NO RATING" WITH THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU. THE BBB TELLS PATCH THE RATING WENT FROM "F" TO "NO RATING" BECAUSE THE COMPANY RESPONDED TO CONTACT MADE BY THE BBB. THE BBB IS STILL INVESTIGATING.