Residents in several Vancouver Island communities are being warned to stay alert after police received reports of a suspected door-to-door asphalt paving scam targeting homeowners.
Sidney/North Saanich RCMP say they were contacted on January 8th, by a local resident who was approached at his home by a man offering to pave his driveway at a heavily discounted price.
The man claimed he had leftover asphalt from another job and was looking to sell it quickly.
According to police, a crew of approximately eight people arrived shortly after and began work. The homeowner became suspicious when the asphalt appeared to lack oil or tar and looked like recycled material.
When the homeowner raised concerns, the crew abruptly packed up their equipment and left without completing the job. The incident remains under investigation.
Police say this type of scam often involves poor-quality work, demands for cash payment, or situations where no work is completed despite payment being made.
A similar warning has also been issued by Sooke RCMP following two reports of alleged door-to-door scams in the Sooke area earlier this week.
In the first incident, reported on January 7th, a man attempted to sell leftover asphalt at a discounted price but was turned away without a transaction taking place.
The following day, a second resident reported being approached by a man matching the same description who again attempted to sell leftover asphalt.
Police say the individual was associated with a grey Ford F-150, did not provide proper identification, and displayed aggressive behaviour while pressuring the homeowner to purchase the service.
In both cases, police say the origin of the asphalt being offered for resale is suspicious and is now under investigation.
RCMP are reminding residents to be cautious of unsolicited offers for home improvement work, particularly those involving claims of leftover materials or pressure to make quick decisions.
Anyone who encounters suspicious activity or individuals is asked to contact their local police department right away.
