Crime & Safety

Asphalt Contracting Scammers Reported In Lemont: Cops

The group of men will approach a home and smooth talk the homeowner into allowing them to reseal their asphalt driveway.

LEMONT, IL — Lemont residents have recently reported to police that asphalt contracting scammers have been in the area. According to the Will County Sheriff's Office, these individuals will hit a specific area or neighborhood and once they have worn out their efforts, they pick up and move to the next town or state.

Police said the group of men will approach a home and smooth talk the homeowner into allowing them to reseal their asphalt driveway. These people can be persuasive and typically target the elderly population.

According to police, their sales pitch can include telling the homeowner that they will give them a 'cut rate price' just for today; or they were working in the area and saw that your driveway needs resealing. This group usually uses cut-rate products and also asks for payment before they begin in the way of cash or a check made out to cash.

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Police remind citizens to keep these things in mind:

  • If you did not personally call a seal coating contractor, do not hire one that comes to your door.
  • Always sign a contract and do your homework to be sure the contractor is reputable. Just because they may have appropriate work clothing, a truck with a name on it, and seal coating equipment, does not make them reputable.
  • If these people come to your door, do not engage in conversation, just shut the door.
  • If you have elderly relatives or neighbors, please take the time to talk to them about this scam. The reason these people target the elderly is because they can be easily persuaded into trusting them.
  • If you see something, say something. Report any suspicious trucks or vehicles in your neighborhood to your local police department.

Image via Shutterstock.

Find out what's happening in Lemontfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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