Paving scam artists cheat elderly couple

Doris Cook

Sep. 5, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- JEFFERSON --County residents should be on the lookout for suspected scams from transient paving companies, who will likely bilk their victims, says Ashtabula County sheriff's Lt. Greg Leonhard.

"We got a call from Trumbull County sheriff's office on Thursday about a elderly couple in Kinsman, who paid for a driveway job never completed. This couple gave $9,400 to two guys, who offered to do their driveway, but didn't finish the job," Leonhard said.

The alleged suspects were seen driving two different blue dump trucks. Leonhard said the men used a cold patch asphalt material to spread a little down. After telling the Kinsman couple they would return the next day, they never did.

Leonhard said this is the typical approach scam paving artists take so people in this county need to be warned.

If residents are approached by someone offering to do such work, the best thing is don't give them any money, Leonhard said. Be sure to get a license plate number and vehicle descriptions, then call the county sheriff's office at 440-576-0055 to make a report or check out the company.

"These same people could be working their way north into rural parts of southern or central Ashtabula County. We are asking residents to be alert and call us if they suspect something is not right. The best advice is don't commit to money up front, wait until the job is done to your satisfaction," Leonhard advised.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0322-27904488