WESTLOCK – Area RCMP have received a handful of reports of scammers looking to sell asphalt to rural residents and remind folks to do their due diligence when buying goods and services from travelling salespeople.
On April 18, Morinville RCMP received reports about a person selling asphalt to rural residents of Sturgeon County and note that “the suspect offers to fill your driveway potholes or pave a driveway for a bargain-basement price and asks for money up front then is never seen again.” Morinville RCMP say a black Dodge Ram pick-up truck may be associated with their case and residents are encouraged to call them at 780-939-4520 with information, including video surveillance, that will help identify those responsible — if you wish to remain anonymous contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), by Internet at www.tipsubmit.com or by SMS (check your local Crime Stoppers www.crimestoppers.ab.ca for instructions).
Acting Westlock RCMP Detachment commander Riley Sutherland said that around 1 p.m., April 20, they also received a similar report from the area of Range Road 272 and Township Road 601 as a bearded, 6’0” Caucasian man in his late 30s, wearing an orange, high-visibility vest, was hawking asphalt. He was driving a white Dodge 1500 and there was no plate information provided to police or visible markings on the truck.
Sutherland echoed the tips provided by the Morinville RCMP that includes hiring only known and reputable businesses, checking their credentials and to never offer full payment until the work is done.
She also said residents can always call them if they have concerns, or ask the company if they have a business licence, which is necessary for work in the Town of Westlock, or to even check in with the Westlock and District Chamber of Commerce to see if they’re a member.
Sutherland said the asphalt scam is just one of a number that makes annual rounds of communities across Alberta and includes everything from furnace repair to water heater replacement, carpet cleaning and shingling.
“And they do it because they always seem to catch a couple of people,” said Sutherland.
