The Washington state Department of Labor & Industries is warning homeowners and businesses to avoid scam artists offering to pave driveways and resurface parking lots.
Each spring and summer, asphalt paving scammers swarm into neighborhoods to solicit work. Wearing uniforms and driving trucks with company signs, they typically claim to have material left over from a nearby job and just happen to have a crew standing by. They offer to repave or spread gravel on driveways and parking lots at bargain prices, if owners hire them on the spot. They use high-pressure sales tactics and often prey on senior citizens, according to L&I.
The agency recommends using only registered contractors, who must have liability insurance, a business license and a bond, which gives homeowners monetary recourse if a job is left undone.
Verify that contractors are registered at www.Verify.Lni.wa.gov or 888-811-5974. If you’re a victim of fraud, report it at www.Fraud.Lni.wa.gov or 888-811-5974.
