Scam Alert: Beware of Phony Driveway Repairs

Bowie Police are warning residents of a scam involving door-to-door sales of shoddy driveway paving and sealing services.

In this case, the work is left unfinished or the worker uses black paint instead of high quality asphalt sealant as promised.

Authorities say the scam is occurring in the Washington, D.C., area, and one Bowie resident appears to have been a victim of the disreputable sales pitch.

Door-to-door sales are permitted in Bowie if the seller has registered with the city and received a Peddler’s Permit. Permits are issued to individuals, not businesses, and every peddler must possess and display their Prince George’s County and the City of Bowie permit upon demand.

If you believe someone does not have a City of Bowie Peddler’s Permit, call the city’s Code Compliance Office, or if you think the individual at your door or the business they represent is suspicious, contact the Bowie Police Department or Prince George’s County Non-Emergency Police Dispatch.

• To verify if the seller is licensed call City of Bowie Code Enforcement: 301-809-3008 (Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
• To report a suspected scam or a suspicious individual going door-to-door call City of Bowie Police: 301-575-2480 (Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.)
• Or call Non-Emergency Police Dispatch: 301-352-1200 (Option 5) at any time.