Hopkins County sheriff’s officers have again received information of “gypsies” moving about in the county, offering to repair drives. The final payment is generally higher than expected and the work inferior, according to officers. In some cases, the funds may be requested prior to work for materials, then the would-be paver drives off with the cash and the person is out the money with little or no repair work done.
The way would-be pavers end up getting more money for a project is that some people don’t know the difference between a per square foot price for asphalt and a running square foot price.
“One way, per square foot measures like 12 feet by 12 feet. The running square foot price measures the length of the driveway, or project, by the width. The running price is usually cheaper,” a sheriff’s officer noted.
Those seeking asphalt paving work should get a total cost it’ll for a project up front. Simply ask the cost for the bottom line and get it in writing or down on paper.
Having someone witness the contract for service can also be beneficial. As a rule of thumb, “if you’re not sure about something or someone, call someone who knows something about it,” HCSO officers recommend.
To avoid becoming a victim to asphalt scammers, investigators recommend residents ask people making unsolicited business offers at residences to leave, then to call officers to report them.
“If you see them, call the sheriff’s office. If you didn’t ask them to do work and they go to your residence, tell them to leave,” HCSO Investigator Lewis Tatum recommends.
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