On 11/13/2013 the Frederick Police Department received a complaint regarding an asphalt sealing scam. In this case two male subjects driving a white pick-up truck knocked on the victim’s door and offered to repair and seal the victim’s driveway.
The Frederick Police Department would like to remind residents that this is a common scam and that you can protect yourself from being victimized by this type of scam. Residents are urged to use caution when dealing with door to door sales of this nature and to keep the following in mind:
•Reputable contractors rarely, if ever, solicit door to door.
•Reputable contractors will rarely, if ever, have left over supplies from a previous job.
This is often the excuse they advise consumers when making contact door to door.
•A reputable contractor should not push you to make a quick decision and should provide a written estimate that will be valid for a set period of time.
•Avoid hiring contractors who do not provide you a contract in writing with specific details of the work that is to be performed.
•Avoid cash only sales or “deals”. Most reputable contractors will accept checks and or credit cards as a form of payment.
•Be wary of unmarked trucks or trucks with out of area information (phone numbers, license plates, etc)
•Ask to see a contractor license. This type of contractor should have a contractor’s license in order to legally offer this service.
Ultimately, good decision making is crucial to protecting yourself. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it likely is too good to be true.
If anyone has information relating to the above suspects they may contact the Frederick Police Department tip line at 301-600-TIPS.
Case #: 2013-074218
Author: Corporal Aaron Lapp
301-600-6390