TDCI, BBB Warn of Springtime Driveway Paving Scams

NASHVILLE – It’s that time of year when the weather warms, flowers bloom, and asphalt scam artists emerge. The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance’s (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs urges consumers to beware driveway paving scams recently reported by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). 

“Don’t be fooled by door-to-door driveway paving sales scams,” said TDCI Deputy Commissioner Bill Giannini. “The Division of Consumer Affairs reminds Tennesseans to always research and vet businesses thoroughly before investing in their services.”

Asphalt scammers offer great deals for cash on the spot claiming to have leftover material from a nearby project. However, the quality of work is often shoddy and the final cost generally much more than the quoted price. In many cases, the pavers claim to come back the following day to finish the job, only to never return.

To avoid becoming a victim, look for the following red flags that may indicate a scam:

• Selling door-to-door. Reputable asphalt contractors don’t sell left over product door-to-door.
• Claims of leftover asphalt from another job. Professional asphalt contractors know with great accuracy how much paving material is needed to complete a project. Rarely will they have leftover material.
• Pushing you to make a quick decision. Trustworthy contractors provide a written estimate that should be valid for a specified amount of time. Never hire someone on the spot.
• No written contract. Insist on a written contract specifying in detail the work to be performed and the agreed total price, not just price per square foot.
• Cash-only sales. Most reputable contractors take checks or credit cards and don’t require cash-only terms.
• Deals that seem too good to be true. If the quoted price seems very low, chances are the quality of work will also be quite low. 
• The contractor is from out of state or in an unmarked truck. Itinerant scammers will often drive unmarked trucks or have out of state license plates. Even if they have a local phone number, scammers have more recently been purchasing local cell phone plans to appear as if they are a local area business. A little research will reveal they have no permanent address or are traveling from out of state.

For a listing of specific individuals identified for operating with misleading tactics, visit the BBB’s website.

For more consumer resources or to file a complaint, contact the Division of Consumer Affairs at 800-342-8385 or visit www.tn.gov/consumer. 

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