A local consumer said this about National Paving and Sealcoating, a company that appeared on her doorstep one day last August and told her they would seal her driveway for $650. To her dismay, the coating they applied to her driveway washed away in a matter of days. They returned, only to ask for more money to finish the job. Now the company’s phone number is disconnected and mail has been returned from their local PO Box address. She is out $1550 and has nothing to show for it.

Cincinnati BBB knows from experience that these fly-by-night operators often try to take money, supposedly to buy home repair materials, or tell consumers they can cut them a great deal from the leftover materials from another job they are doing in the area. Then they leave town, never to be seen again. BBB doesn’t want you to become the next victim of these itinerant workmen. Be cautious of anyone that knocks on your door to offer their services.

Instead get bids from at least three contractors. Ask for local references, preferable from customers more than a year old. Verify that the contractor is in compliance with all local licensing, bonding and insuring requirements. Make sure you have the name, phone number and address for the business. Be especially wary of a company that only uses a PO Box address instead of a brick and mortar address. Don’t be afraid to ask for identification and note the license plate number on the contractor's vehicle. If any of the licenses are out of state, use caution. Tracking down an out of state company can be very difficult.

Losing money to a fly-by-night scam artist can make you feel helpless and vulnerable. But hopefully, armed with the BBB’s knowledge and expertise, you won’t fall prey to these scammers. BBB has a wealth of tips on home improvement and lists of reputable contractors in our local area. Be sure to visit our website and check out a company’s BBB report before doing business.