North Dakota Attorney General’s Office issues a warning on asphalt-paving scams

BISMARCK — The North Dakota Attorney General’s Office is cautioning homeowners to be on the lookout for asphalt-paving scams.

Homeowners may be approached by unannounced illegitimate contractors claiming to be “working in the area” with “excess material” for purchase at a discounted price, with same-day decisions encouraged, a news release stated. Contractors may demand a large upfront payment, in which case they may simply leave town or begin working immediately, insisting on payment as soon as work is completed.

The work will be low-quality and easily identifiable as a scam, the release said. False contractors may even use intimidation or threats for quick payment before work can be inspected.

Homeowners should be cautious of anyone offering unsolicited paving work, especially if they claim to have leftover material at a discounted price.

The office provided the following tips to avoid falling victim to a scam:

• Research any contractor before hiring
• Ask detailed questions about the business
• Get all estimates and terms in writing
• Avoid making full payment up front
• Avoid using cash and mobile payment apps

“Pay attention if your intuition tells you that an offer appears too good to be true, because it likely is,” North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley said in the release.

Consumers with questions or who suspect they may have been targeted by an asphalt-paving scam should contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at (701) 328-3404.

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