Scam Attempted In Edmonson County

Darren Doyle, story:
The classic "extra blacktop" or "blacktop sealer" scam has apparently made it's way back to Edmonson County again, according to some callers.

The Edmonson Voice has received multiple calls about a scam attempt that's recently occurred in the county where a man attempts to sell you his blacktop sealing service. He apparently asks for some or all money up front, where someone then sprays a minimal coat of a substance that is worthless--or-- he simply leaves with your money and doesn't come back.

Other tips from callers say they were approached by someone offering blacktop that was supposedly leftover from another big job down the road at a cheap price. The scammer gets your money and doesn't do the work, and there was no pavement leftover from any job, period.

One caller claimed the man was part of a larger group that attempts a number of different scams, including roofing, septic tank service, and a host of other contractor-type jobs. He said the man used one of his neighbors as a reference, but the caller knew who did the neighbor's job, and it wasn't this man.

"They go by a house that's recently had their driveway sealed, look up the address of that house on the internet, and tell you they did it," the caller said. "When you call up the neighbor and ask 'were you satisfied with the company that sealed your driveway?' they'll tell you they were, but they're talking about a completely different company. I knew it was a scam and told him to hit the road."

Sheriff Shane Doyle said this type of scam is all too common and that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

"Most reputable companies rarely go door-to-door anymore, but if they do, look for some identification," he said. "Ask for documentation proving they're licensed and insured, ask for several references, and look up their company on the internet, whether that be a website, social media page, or something. If you're still unsure, you're better off to decline their services, or call a neighbor or family member to help you."

Sheriff Doyle encouraged the community to call authorities when something like this happens with a description of the individual and what vehicle in which they are traveling.

"Unfortunately, these scammers try to prey on our elderly, so it's important for us to talk to our older family members and educate them on these types of things," he said.