Valencia Trader

Asphalt Scam going around in Valencia

I thought you’d like to know that it's possible that there’s an Asphalt Scam doing the rounds here at the moment.

I’ve just been approached by an English chap at the gate (in a red car should that make any difference!) who said they were working on the “roads in the town” and they have spare asphalt and do we want out driveway doing.

He was a pleasant fellow but I smelt a scam so I said no and looked it all up on the web. I found the following links:

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=troubleshooter&id=3436398

http://www.ag.state.nd.us/CPAT/PDFFiles/asphalt.PDF

These show that a scam can work as follows:

• You are offered a very cheap per-metre rate but no written quote or contract.
• The goods used are below standard and allow weeds to show through shortly after.
• The final rate charged can be 10 times higher.
• They may return at a later date to apply sealants and charge extra.
• Some degree of intimidation can be applied to ensure payment.
• Once paid, you won’t be able to track them down. 
   

Therefore make sure you always get a written quote from a reputable company that you can track down if there are any problems.