The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is reminding citizens to use due diligence when entering into a contract with anyone who wants to complete work on the citizen’s home or property. This is specifically important when the “contractor” initiates contact with the property owner to complete the services.
During this time of year, driveway sealcoating scams seem to become increasingly common. Law enforcement will oftentimes have difficulty proving criminal violations for these types of incidents, but these unscrupulous individuals will overcharge and use inferior products to take advantage of citizens.
This week the Sheriff’s Office became aware of an incident that occurred in the Town of Hartford on Wednesday, May 25 where a home owner was pushed into a sealcoating “deal” after the contractor stopped at the home unannounced. The homeowner paid the “contractor” $600 to seal coat the driveway.
The contractor completed the seal coating within 15 minutes and left. Within 30 minutes of the completion of the job, the homeowner contacted his bank to stop payment on the check – but it was too late. The contractor already cashed the check.
The Sheriff’s Office had the opportunity to review the contract which had very general terms with no company name on it. The contractor identified himself as “Tommy Michael Sherlock” and was driving a red 2-door Dodge Dakota.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to emphasize the importance of using a reputable sealing contractor. Avoid using a sealcoating contractor that knocks on your door and indicates, “I have extra material and can do your driveway cheap.”
Any reputable sealing contractor will have very little sealer left after completing a job. Sealer does not go bad, unless it freezes, so there is no rush to use it.
Other tips to consider is to beware of contractors that do not have lettering on their trucks or out of state license plates. This may be an individual that does not want to be identified. Ask for references, exact addresses, so you can take a look at previous work sites.
If the contractor indicates this is “for today only” or they are only in the area during the upcoming week use caution. These are typically traveling type contractors that move out of the area, even from state to state, after they have worn out their welcome in one area.
Do not be rushed into a decision. Lastly, any reputable contractor will also always ask for a check made out in the name of the business. In our case the check was made out to an individual who promptly cashed it.
Although the Sheriff’s Office may have difficulty moving forward with a criminal investigation, we also want citizen to be aware so vulnerable family members/friends are not taken advantage of.
Captain Martin Schulteis 402/471