1. To read this article on the Iowa Department of Justice Consumer Scams webpage, click here.
Asphalt Paving Scams: Iowa Attorney General Consumer Protection
Here in Des Moines and Across The Country
Beware of door-to-door solicitors who offer to pave or repair driveways and sidewalks at a substantially lower price than you would generally expect a professional to charge. In cases of scams, solicitors ask homeowners to pay up-front, and either do substandard work or no work at all.
In many reported scams, solicitors arrive unannounced and aggressively offer a "special discount" due to what they claim is leftover asphalt from another job nearby. Scammers often drive trucks with out-of-state license plates and without company signage on the vehicle.
Trust your instincts. If you have concerns about a solicitation or feel threatened by a solicitor, turn them away. Write down a description of the vehicle and driver--and license plate information, if possible--and contact your local law enforcement agency, Iowa State General Attorney, the Environmental Protection agency, and your local Better Business Bureau.
General Advice when Seeking Driveway or Sidewalk Repairs
- Obtain written estimates from multiple contractors and get in writing the terms of the contract.
- Seek referrals from people you know and trust.
- Ask to see licenses and permits, and ask if the solicitor is bonded.
- Never pay in full until the work is completed, limit what you pay in advance, do not pay in cash, and get a receipt for your payment.
Contact Info for the Iowa State General Attorney, Consumer Protection Division
Email: Consumer@ag.iowa.gov
Phone: 515-281-5926
888-777-4590 (outside of the Des Moines metro area)
Mail: Office of the Attorney General of Iowa
Consumer Protection Division
Hoover State Office Building
1305 E. Walnut Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0106
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To read this article on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website, click here.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General is issuing this fraud alert to highlight new tactics recently adopted by perpetrators of the asphalt sealer scam. This scam involves fraudsters posing as contractors to target homeowners and businesses.
They claim to have leftover materials from a nearby job and offer a quick driveway sealing or asphalt paving service at a discounted price. The work performed is often poorly done, unfinished, or unnecessary, and the materials used are low-quality or watered-down.
After completing the job, the scammers often demand a higher payment than originally quoted.
***A new twist on this long-time scam involves individuals impersonating EPA agents coming back after the initial service is completed and claiming that the materials used for the sealing or paving job create an environmental violation that must be corrected immediately. The scammers claim that the homeowner must either pay a fine or penalty or provide reimbursement for environmental remediation service. In one instance, a victim paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for unnecessary remediation work.***
An EPA agent will never direct or arrange remediation work on the spot nor personally collect payment for environmental penalties. Legitimate EPA enforcement processes involve formal investigations, written notices, and coordination with certified professionals. Any required remediation or penalties will be accompanied by clear instructions and communicated through official EPA documents, such as violation notices or administrative orders. Additionally, the EPA accepts payments only through specific, secure methods. Authorized payment channels include electronic options such as Vendor Express, Fedwire, and Pay.gov, as well as traditional mail-in payments directed to designated lockboxes. The EPA does not solicit or accept payments through unsolicited phone calls, emails, or in-person demands.
This criminal scam, which can also involve other types of construction and home repair work, is often perpetrated by a fraud ring that targets a specific area for a short period, then moves on to the next town or state, making the fraudsters difficult to detect or identify.
How can you protect yourself from scams like this?
- Be cautious of unsolicited offers, particularly those involving leftover materials, environmental scare tactics, or pressure to act quickly.
- If someone claiming to be an EPA agent insists on immediate remediation work or demands payment through a method inconsistent with those discussed above, request identification and written documentation, refuse immediate transactions, and always contact the EPA directly to verify the legitimacy of the situation.
- Always verify a contractor’s credentials, check reviews and references, and insist on a written contract outlining costs, materials, and timelines.
If you suspect that you have been victim to a scam involving an individual impersonating an EPA agent, you should immediately contact the EPA OIG Hotline at OIG.Hotline@epa.gov.
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Fraud Alert: Asphalt Sealer Scam
BBB Updated May 14, 2025
To read this online at the Better Business Bureau, click here.
Don't trust anyone to do the job if your driveway needs paving or repairs. BBB Scam Tracker has numerous reports of unscrupulous contractors who trick homeowners with supposedly good deals on driveway paving and repairs. Homeowners end up with shoddy pavement, or nothing at all, to show for what they paid and, in some cases, have lost over $8,000.
What you'll learn:
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How asphalt paving scams typically target homeowners and operate
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Warning signs to watch for when dealing with unsolicited contractors
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Steps to safely hire a contractor and protect your money and property
How the Scam Works
A contractor leaves a pamphlet or shows up at the door. They claim they’ve been doing work in the area and have extra paving supplies, and just happened to notice the condition of your driveway or sidewalk. Since they're already working nearby, they can give you a discount. If the price is agreeable, they will ask for a large percentage of the fee upfront. There is some hesitancy if you ask questions about the price or details about the business and its location.
Once the transaction is complete, the scam contractor may disappear altogether. The contact number or email may not work, quickly helping you realize the contact information was a scam. If you protest, the contractor may use intimidation tactics, such as threatening a lawsuit, to convince you to pay.
In other cases, the contractor's work is shoddy and unprofessional once complete, but the full payment has already been made. Reaching the company the contractor allegedly represented is impossible, or another company was impersonated. In any of these scenarios, the chances of getting a refund or the work fixed are slim.
One consumer reported losing $5,000 on a paving scam via BBB Scam Tracker: "Paving driveway with recycled asphalt, came and put down crushed gravel and left. Said the crew was finishing a house around the corner and they’d come back, but never did."
How to Avoid Contractor Scams
- Be wary of unsolicited offers. Most scams involving contractors begin when a random contractor goes out of their way to offer you an estimate that was never requested. Be extra cautious if the estimate is "discounted."
- Research companies and contractors before you hire. Before you agree to hire a contractor and make payment, start with BBB.org. If the contractor has multiple negative reviews and complaints, don’t hire them. A simple internet search often reveals companies or individuals involved in fraudulent activities or provided unsatisfactory work to previous clients. Read BBB's tips on hiring a reliable contractor.
- Get everything in writing. Ask for a written estimate before a down payment is even discussed. Don’t let a contractor start working on a project until a written, signed contract outlining start and completion dates, a detailed description of the work, material costs, payment arrangements, and warranty information is provided. Read more about what to ensure is included in your home improvement contract.
- Stagger payments. Most contractors will require a percentage of the total price upfront, but it should never be the full price before the work has begun. Instead, agree to stagger payments so that work can be inspected at various project stages.
- Use safe payment methods. Paying with a credit card provides peace of mind since the credit card company will help you if the company is fraudulent. If you use a check, write it to a company, not an individual. Paying cash or using an electronic wallet app is risky since there is no way to stop the payment or get some money back if anything goes wrong.
For more information
Search BBB.org for paving companies in your area. In the Canadian provinces, alert local authorities and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Check out BBB's Home Improvement HQ and Home Maintenance HQ for more helpful tips.
If you suspect you have fallen for a contractor scam, report it to BBB.org/ScamTracker. Your report can help alert others to similar scams.
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Read more about BBB Accreditation Standards and BBB Standards for Trust.
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