Asphalt scam hits area

The Clayton County Sheriff’s Office has received reports of a possible asphalt scam in the area.

Sheriff Mike Tschirgi is urging residents to beware of door-to-door solicitors who offer to pave or repair your driveway or sidewalk at a substantially lower price than most contractors. Many times, the solicitors will arrive unannounced and offer a special discount for leftover asphalt, promising to apply a 3- to 4-inch asphalt base, when in fact they only put down a 1 or 2-inch base.

These actions are in violation of Iowa law and the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office will investigate as such. If you have experienced a similar situation, write down the license plate number and contact the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Tschirgi provided some additional advice for those seeking driveway or sidewalk repairs:

•Obtain written estimates from multiple contractors and get in writing the terms of the contract.

•Seek referrals from people you know and trust.

•Ask to see licenses and permits, and ask the solicitor if they are bonded.

•Never pay in full until the work is completed, limit what you pay in advance, do not pay in cash and get a receipt for your payment.