Sioux Falls Better Business Bureau Warns of Springtime Driveway Paving Scams

If a paving company comes to your home offering to pave your driveway, Jessie Schmidt of the Better Business Bureau in Sioux Falls offers this advice!

"We tell people not to be swayed by their sense of urgency or that you have to make a decision immediately. We talk about that all the time. There are some key questions you should ask: are they licensed to do business in South Dakota. That's the number one thing. You want to see proof! If they are a contractor, they need to have a contractor's license from the city of Sioux Falls---certainly within the city limits. But, if they are outside the city limits, you need to find out if they are registered with the Secretary of State."

Unfortunately, Schmidt says some residents in the area have fallen victim to driveway paving scams.

"This lady came home and they were paving her driveway. They told her she needed $12,000. The woman went to a bank to get the money!
It's the same old thing. These scammers have a huge sense of urgency on their part. That's really a big sign that you need to take a step back, let cooler heads prevail and asked yourself if you would do this regularly---do you really need a new driveway? I can guarantee their work is not what it ought to be."

If you suspect that you are dealing with a paving scammer, Schmidt encourages you to contact the Better Business Bureau---prior to engaging the services of a scammer!

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