Nutley Cops Warn Of Man’s ‘Unscrupulous Business Practices’

NUTLEY, NJ — Nutley police are warning residents about a Cliffside Park man’s “unscrupulous business practices” after he allegedly abruptly jacked up the price for a driveway repair project at an 85-year-old local woman’s Bloomfield Avenue home.

According to the Nutley Police Department, on Jan. 11, a male representative from a company that “claims to seal driveways” allegedly knocked on the door of an 85-year-old woman and offered to seal her driveway for a discounted price of $150.

The homeowner told officers that the man performed the job, but then told her that he used more sealer than quoted and raised the price to $1,003.

The woman negotiated the price down some but paid more than initially agreed, police said.

Nutley detectives were able to identify the actor as a Cliffside Park resident who allegedly “travels the state pitching the same approach.” Authorities did not release the identity of the suspect in their bulletin, but warned residents about his “unscrupulous business practices.”

“Although there was an exchange of money for service, the practice is misleading and unfair,” Nutley police stated.

Police Chief Thomas Strumolo warned residents to refrain from hiring anyone without first checking references.

“And absolutely get specifics on a written contract,” Strumolo said. “As always, we recommend that you contact police before engaging in any kind of agreement.”

Photo: Flickr Commons