Local businesses, boosters club hit by paving scam

Several local businesses have fallen victim to an asphalt paving scam that has hit the area recently.

A group is traveling from business to business stating they have leftover asphalt from a previous job that they need to get rid of. They say the work will be done for $1.50 per square foot, but once the job is done the price is actually much higher. The work often leaves much to be desired.

Similar scams have spread through the area in the past, but usually target homeowners, particularly elderly couples or widows.

"They usually go to individual houses, but in Alpena this year they're going to businesses. I don't know why," Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jackie Krawczak said.

Krawczak said the operations stick around for about a week and then leave town and can be very aggressive.

"They're forceful. They won't leave the business until they get their money that day," she said.

Alpena Boosters Club Treasurer Paul Lozen said the boosters club had work done by the scammers, but came away from it relatively unscathed.

Lozen said the pavers offered to work for $1.50 per square foot, for a total project cost of $800-$1,000. When the work was done the scammers asked for $4,200.

"That was a long way away from the $800 to $1,000," Lozen said.

When he told the pavers he couldn't pay that much, they asked what the maximum amount the boosters could pay would be. At that point Lozen realized it was a scam.

After having a reputable paving company give an estimate for the work, the boosters club paid $1,500 - but will have to do more work to avoid a drainage issue.

Lozen said the work left a low point near the doors into the club's building, which likely will lead to a drainage issue. If members provide labor, Lozen said the hope is to be able to fix the issue for about $100.

Bruce Goodrich, vice president of Everett Goodrich Trucking and Asphalt Paving, said a contractor saying he has extra material from a previous job should be a red flag since professional asphalt pavers know exactly what they need for a job.

There are other things that should be asked for before doing business with a paving contractor.

"I would definitely ask for a written quote, and second I would ask for insurance and workers comp," Goodrich said.

He also said if there is any doubt about the contractor, ask to see a previous job and confirm the contractor had actually done the work.

Krawczak said anyone unsure of the contractor can call the chamber, which can then check with the Better Business Bureau to determine whether the business is reputable.

Sean Harkins can be reached via e-mail at sharkins@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5688.