RCMP are warning Prince George residents about a seasonal driveway paving scam that has been reported in the city.
“In the past week, we have received two reports of businesses being scammed out of large sums of money by a company offering to lay asphalt but then not completing the project to satisfaction,” said Cpl. Jennifer Cooper, media relations officer for the Prince George RCMP. “In one case, it appeared the company only laid loose gravel, suggesting it would seal itself after a few days. These are very similar to reports received by the Vanderhoof RCMP earlier in April.”
Mounties say this is not a new scam in Prince George or the surrounding region, and that scammers often use high-pressure tactics and manipulation to coerce residents or business owners into purchasing their so-called services.
Officers are urging the public to be cautious of any offers that must be completed quickly or seem too good to be true. They advise anyone who feels suspicious to research the company online and ask to see its business licence. If the company refuses to wait while you verify credentials or cannot provide the requested information, police say it’s best to decline the service.
Anyone who believes they have been a victim of a scam or fraud is encouraged to report it to their local police department and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
