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Beware
of asphalt
“gypsies”
i
The Commonwealth’s Attorney has received information that the so called “asphalt gypsies” are again operating in this part of Virginia. This group, often with impressive looking equipment will approach a property owner with asphalt supposedly left over from another job. Because of this “extra” asphalt, they claim to be able to give the property owner a “good deal” paving a drive- « way.
The asphalt gypsies often prey on the elderly. They quote one price, but then try to collect a much larger sum, and the workmanship and .product are not what was promised.
Do not enter into any arrangement with anyone who comes to your property unsolicited with “leftover” asphalt.
Another scam which is being run . by the same group involves painting, ’ usually of agricultural buildings. Once again, people appear without j being invited and offer to paint a : building. The paint used is diluted, and payment is demanded for more than what was initially agreed.
If any such persons appear at your property do not let them in your house, try to obtain their names and write down their license plate number. Telephone this information to the Commonwealth’s Attorney at 675-3318 or the Sheriff at 675-3331.
Other scams run by these groups > take many forms but are all charac- j terized by these factors:
1. The work/product offered is not solicited, these people suddenly appear at your property without being called there by you.
2. The work/product offered is at ■ below market price, a “good” deal.
Any unsolicited business proposal must be carefully scrutinized. Obtain and check references. If contracting work is to be performed, verify the contractor is properly licensed. An oral agreement is not worth the paper it is written on: get it in writing.
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