Bergen Man's 'Unscrupulous Business Practices' Prompts Warning From Police

BERGEN COUNTY, N.J. — A Bergen County man's "unscrupulous business practices" has prompted a warning from police after he allegedly, and abruptly, jacked up the price of repairing an 85-year-old Nutley woman's driveway.

A Cliffside Park man representing 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 woman told police the man performed the work, but then told her that he used more sealer than he originally quoted to her and increased the price to $1,003, police said. The woman negotiated the price down some but paid more than initially agreed.

Nutley detectives were able to identify the man 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.”

Nutley 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.”

Reporting by Eric Kiefer, Patch Staff Writer

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