Paving scams can be a pain to deal with. This is especially true if you’re a wary business or home owner that wants to replace or repair their pavement. But how do you avoid these paving scams?
Tips and Tricks to Avoid Paving Scams
Prevention is better than cure is something you’re going to be hearing a lot of in the medical industry. However, the same can be said of everything you could be doing. Preventing something from ever becoming a problem is the key to success. This is very true for paving as getting scammed could mean that you’re going to have to pay twice to get the sub par pavement fixed in the immediate future. This is why we’ve compiled a list of things you should be doing to avoid paving scams.
Check The Credentials of The Pavers You’re Going To Work With
One of the things that is common with paving scammers is the fact that they will have flimsy credentials. Their credentials could also be fabricated and made to look as great as possible to get you on board as quickly as possible. This is why it is extremely important to make sure that you dig deeper when dealing with a new asphalt paver that you’re not familiar with.
Avoid Hiring Pavers from Distant States
When you encounter a paver who is based in four or five states away from your business or home, you should start asking yourself the question “why are they even here?”. Legitimate pavers will tend to provide services to nearby states to make sure that overhead for your project will be as low as possible. This is why it can be very suspicious if a paver from Montana is suddenly in Arizona looking for clients.
Be Sceptical of Big Discounts
A classic technique used by scammers is blinding potential victims with large discounts. What you should know about these discounts is the fact that they will make sure to cut as many corners as possible. Subpar materials, and service, with a lack of insurance is something that you should always be wary of if you suddenly have someone approach you with a large discount on a paving job.
Avoid Hiring Pavers That Ask For an Upfront Cash Payment or Large Advanced Payments
Another popular strategy by scammers is to ask you for a large upfront cash payment or large advanced payments. Most, if not all, legitimate paving contractors will give you the option to pay at a later date or ask for small sums to start off the project. They will give you ample time to pay things off instead of trying to strong arm you into paying immediately.
Pay With Credit Cards or Checks
If the paving contractor you’re in contact with asks for money and will not take anything else, then you might be dealing with a scammer. The reason why you should try and use credit cards or checks as often as possible is due to those payment methods having ways to protect you. You can easily request a chargeback on a credit card or cancel a check. However, if you simply give them your cash, then you’re out of luck as they can easily just run away with your money.