The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of the county of possible scam involving driveway paving. On the Sheriff’s Office social media page, officials say it appears individuals are going door to door offering to lay driveway pavement (blacktop). During the incident reported to the Sheriff’s Office, the contractors offered  no quote for work prior to the job being completed, only a verbal rough estimate.

The business stated they would provide a quote, but homeowner came home to driveway project already completed. A bill was given to the property owner after the work was done, and the price was extremely higher than expected and instead of the blacktop pavement they used crushed millings. Asphalt millings are often considered recycled asphalt pavement – essentially, they’re former asphalt projects being crushed into gravel. Because no new materials are used in creation or needed to be transported, therefore cost is severely diminished.

The Sheriff’s Office says they would never hinder the sales of legitimate businesses, they also advised residents to always ask for price quote and/or contract prior to any agreements, and make sure the door-to-door contractor has a sales permit. Use your best judgement and the old saying; if it sounds to be good to be true then do more investigation into the business. If there is ever a doubt, please contact the Sheriff’s Office.