Homeowners not the only victims of paving scams, OPP says

Police are warning the public of an increase in paving contractor scams in the eastern Ontario region.

They say in a post on X that, over the last several years, officers have responded to multiple reports of “persistent, persuasive and sometimes aggressive” people going door-to-door. They offer to pave or repave driveways, which leaves residents with poor quality or unfinished work.

Officials say that although this can leave the homeowner in a frustrating — and expensive —situation to fix, they are also noting that there is another factor to these unlawful frauds.

“One rarely recognized aspect of these disreputable companies is human trafficking,” police said.

According to the force, some of the companies involved in the scams have been found to be exploiting vulnerable worker populations, like migrant labourers.

“These individuals may be poorly paid and be exposed to poor working and living conditions. They are afraid to speak up due to fear of reprisals,” police said.

Officials say people need to consider the company and the people they are dealing with before agreeing to the terms.

• Does the company have an official online presence, registration with local chambers of commerce, the Better Business Bureau or similar reputable organizations and do they have legitimate references?
• Don’t be pressured into signing a contract or agreeing to unsolicited work.
• Exercise caution when opening your door to unexpected visitors offering items or services
• Don’t be fooled by flashy flyers or websites
• Be cautious if a contractor shows up at your door saying they have “leftover” materials from another job
• If there’s no written contract with an up-front quote, and the price changes mid-job due to “unforeseen problems,” you’re at their mercy
• Fraudsters typically target more vulnerable people, including seniors, and request cash payments for “today only” deals
• It’s a red flag when a payment is asked for up-front or before the job is completed

When in doubt that an offer is “too good to be true” police said chances are, it is.

For additional information on ongoing scams and to report fraud, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.