How to Spot a Scam When Looking for Pavement Companies Near Me
Hiring someone to pave your driveway isn’t a small job. It costs money, takes time, and affects how your home looks. But what happens when the people you hire aren’t who they say they are?
Paving scams are real. They’re more common than most people think. And they’re not always easy to spot until it’s too late. If you’ve ever searched pavement companies near me, you’ve probably seen dozens of names. Some are great. Some are not. Knowing the difference can save you stress, money, and headaches.
Let’s break it all down.
Why Do Paving Scams Even Exist?
Scammers love this kind of job for a few simple reasons. First, paving is expensive. Most people don’t do it often, maybe once in 10–20 years, so they don’t know what it should cost or what to expect. That lack of knowledge makes folks vulnerable.
Second, the work happens outside. There’s no building access needed. A shady crew can show up, pour a layer of junk asphalt, grab your money, and be gone before you even realize something’s off. And by the time the surface starts to crack or sink, they’re long gone and the number they gave you doesn’t work anymore.
These scammers don’t go after contractors or real estate pros. They look for easy targets. Usually, that means elderly homeowners, folks who’ve just moved in and want to spruce things up, or anyone dealing with a rough-looking asphalt driveway. They strike where they think you’ll panic a little and make a fast decision.
The pitch always sounds good sometimes too good. They’ll offer a steep discount. Maybe they say they’ve got “leftover asphalt from a job nearby.” Or they claim they can give you a deal if you “act now.” That pressure? That’s the trap.
If you hear a deal and your gut says something’s weird, it probably is. Trust it.
The Common Signs of a Paving Scam
So how do you know when something’s not right? While some scams are obvious, others can be sneaky. If you're not paying attention, it’s easy to fall into the trap. Let’s go over the most common warning signs you should look out for before hiring anyone.
1. We Were Just in the Area
This one’s classic. A stranger knocks on your door. Says they just finished a job down the road and have leftover asphalt. They offer you a huge discount if you agree right now.
Here’s the truth: real driveway contractors don’t operate this way. If they had a good local reputation, they wouldn’t need to knock on random doors.
2. Cash Only Deals
If a paving contractor asks for full payment in cash up front, it’s a huge red flag. No receipts. No proof. And you’ll have no way to hold them accountable if something goes wrong.
Legit paving companies accept cards, checks, or payment apps. They give you a proper quote. And they don’t demand full payment before the job starts.
3. No Contract, No Details
Scam artists love vague promises. They’ll say things like “don’t worry, we’ll take care of it all.” But when there’s no written contract, you’re not protected.
Always ask for a detailed contract. It should include:
- The materials to be used
- The size of the job
- Total cost
- Start and end dates
- Warranty or repair info
If they won’t give you one, walk away.
4. Lowball Pricing
If you get five quotes for a driveway and one of them is way cheaper, that’s a problem. Materials like asphalt aren’t cheap. Labor isn’t either. If the cost seems too low, they’re either cutting corners or planning to ghost you.
The average asphalt driveway cost in Canada can range from $4 to $10 per square foot. So, for a typical two-car driveway, you might expect to pay anywhere between $3,000 to $7,000. If someone quotes $1,200, it’s either a scam—or a terrible job waiting to happen.
5. No Reviews, No Website, No Business Info
If a company doesn’t have an online presence in 2025, that’s suspicious. Sure, not every small business has a fancy website. But they should at least have:
- A business name
- A phone number that works
- A Google listing or online reviews
Search their name plus “scam” or “reviews.” If nothing comes up, or it’s all 5-star reviews with no comments, be cautious.
How to Find Real Paving Contractors Near Me
Here’s how to protect yourself and find the right team for your asphalt driveway:
1. Start with Local Research
Search paving near me or driveway paving Ottawa if you're local. Google will show verified listings. Look at photos, read detailed reviews, and check out their completed work.
Search using terms like:
These searches bring up nearby businesses that usually have real customer feedback.
2. Ask for Credentials
You should always ask if they’re:
- Licensed
- Insured
- Experienced with your type of driveway
Most legit companies will gladly show you their license or certificates. You don’t need to be rude—just ask, “Hey, do you guys carry liability insurance?”
If they seem annoyed by the question, that’s a red flag.
3. Check Reviews Carefully
One bad review isn’t the end of the world. But watch for patterns. If several people say:
- The company didn’t finish the job
- The asphalt cracked in weeks
- The crew didn’t clean up
those are big warnings. On the other hand, if reviews mention things like “great attention to detail,” “honest pricing,” or “on time and professional,” that’s a good sign.
4. Get Multiple Quotes
This is big. Always talk to at least 3 paving contractors before hiring one. Ask them the same questions. Compare pricing, timelines, and what’s included.
If someone can start “tomorrow” and everyone else needs two weeks, ask why. If one quote is super cheap, ask what materials they’re using.
Don’t just pick the lowest bid. Choose the one that makes the most sense.
What to Do If You’ve Already Been Scammed
First off, don’t blame yourself. It happens to people from all walks of life. These scammers are good at what they do.
But there are a few things you can do right away:
1. Stop All Payments
If you paid by card or check, contact your bank. They may be able to stop the transaction or help you file a claim. If you paid in full with cash, things are trickier but still report it.
2. Document Everything
Write down:
- What was promised
- What was done
- Names, numbers, and license plates (if possible)
- Photos of the work and receipts
This will help when filing complaints.
3. File a Complaint
Reach out to:
- Your local consumer protection office
- The Better Business Bureau
- Online platforms like Google or Yelp to flag the listing
If it was a serious loss, speak to a lawyer. They may help you recover some of the money.
Bonus Tips for Hiring the Right Team
If you want your asphalt driveway done right the first time, here’s what to look for:
- Warranties: Good paving companies stand by their work. Ask if they offer repairs for cracks or sinking within the first year.
- Experience: Look for teams with 5+ years of local work. Ask about jobs they’ve done nearby. Even better, ask to drive by one.
- Cleanup: Ask if they remove old asphalt, clean the site, and dispose of waste. Some scammers leave a mess behind.
- Proper Equipment: Professional asphalt paving needs real machines. Not shovels and a pickup truck. If a “team” shows up with hand tools only, it’s time to rethink.
The Bottom Line
Scams can happen to anyone. But when it comes to searching for pavement companies near me, a little caution goes a long way. Know the warning signs. Ask the right questions. And trust your gut.
Remember, a new driveway isn’t just about looks. It’s about safety, value, and long-term durability. Whether you’re dealing with driveway paving Ottawa or looking for reliable asphalt maintenance services in Ottawa, don’t settle for a deal that feels off.
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Looking for a team you can actually trust? Black Tar Construction has been serving Ottawa with honest, professional paving services for over a decade. We don’t do shortcuts, and we don’t do pressure. Just solid work, clear pricing, and driveways built to last. Get your free quote from our asphalt company today — no gimmicks, no scams, just real service that speaks for itself.