Alberta RCMP are warning residents about a string of incidents involving paving scams in Western Alberta.

The RCMP say they've received several reports of traveling companies posing as legitimate contractors scamming usually elderly rural residents.

The RCMP says they'd like to remind residents to exercise caution when purchasing contractor services, they say if the offer seems too good to be true, then it likely is.

Along with the warning, the RCMP do have a few tips to identify potential scammers, they say if the potential contractor does any of these things it should be taken as a red flag;

1. Come to your door saying they are working in the area offering a deal for leftover asphalt.

2. Drive vehicles bearing no business names or logos. Pressure you into making a quick decision or refuse to take “no” for an answer.

3. Ask for a down payment to buy materials.

4. Refuse to give you a written quote with their business name, physical address and outlining the services they will provide prior to completing the work.

The RCMP also have a few suggestions on how to avoid scammers predatory practices.

1. Before agreeing to contract a person who comes to your door, get names of their previous customers and verify that they were satisfied with the work.

2. Do some research on the company with either the Better Business Bureau in Alberta, with the Consumer Investigations Unit, with your local Rural Crime Watch or on social media site.

3. Make sure to obtain a written quote from the contractor that includes the full business name, full address, phone number, GST number and provincial and municipal license numbers, if applicable.

4. Ensure the quote you receive gives details such as the quantity and specifies the quality of materials being offered.

5. Obtain quotes from local supplier as a form of comparison.

The RCMP say they are working with the Alberta Consumer Investigation Unit to counter this recent trend in scams.

 

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