Gypsy Paving Company

http://www.news9.com/story/16149167/el-reno-couple-turns-tables-on-scammers

As the election season rapidly approaches, I have noticed more news stories regarding activities of the Sheriff’s Office. I watched one such story last night on KWTV (News 9) (story linked at tope of page) and immediately recognized it as an incident which had occurred several weeks ago. Although I have no idea why the delay in getting this bit of news to the media, I could not help but once again be amazed at the claims of the incumbent.

As mentioned previously, my hat is continually off to the men and women doing the job and once again they did what was expected of them. I am also glad the offending party was caught and more victims were not created. However, I can’t help but see the absurdity in the statement made by the incumbent in the news story.   

The telling statement was:

Edwards and his deputy found numerous violations with Professional Asphalt's equipment and vehicles. They wrote them over $2500 in fines and impounded their equipment. The Sheriff also gave the crew a strong message to take home.

 "I told the contractor that if I was to ever catch him working here in Canadian County again, I would do more than just impound his equipment," Edwards said. "He'd got to jail for defrauding the elderly. He assured me he would never work in Canadian County again."


According to the video, the victim learned from two other neighbors they too had also fell victim to the company’s alleged fraudulent behavior. Therefore, considering you have three possible victims in the scam, the answer is not to do the easiest thing possible, write the company traffic tickets. Under the Home Repair Fraud Act, found in Title 15, Section 765.2 of the Oklahoma State Statues, the described behavior is actually a crime, specifically a felony crime punishable by up to ten years in prison.

I know all too well the frequency and havoc that these con-artists, often referred to as travelers or gypsies cause to unsuspecting people, particularly the elderly. In one particular case I worked several years ago, I am certain felony arrest warrants are still outstanding for these scam artists. Self-imposed banishment or merely threatening, this highly mobile group of individuals does nothing in the terms of deterrence of these people. This statement may make a good sound bite on television but reality is definitely not on the incumbent’s side. Finally, I would be interested in seeing what actually happens to this group through the court system on the action which was actually taken. The seizure and impoundment of the equipment in this matter is highly suspect but time shall tell the legalities and necessities of such action.    

I found some good warning signs for these types of con-artists that people should keep in mind in the event they ever have these too good to be true bargains offered to them:

Here are 7 asphalt paving warning signs:

1. Selling door-to-door: Reputable asphalt contractors will sometimes offer their services if they are doing a legitimate job in the immediate area. Always ask for references.
2. Claiming they have leftover asphalt from another job: Professional asphalt contractors will know, with great accuracy, how much paving material is needed to complete a project. Rarely will they have leftover material. Some of the reasons a contractor might have left over material are due to weather, equipment problems, cancellations and etc.
3. Push you to make a quick decision: Reputable contractors will provide a written estimate that will be valid for weeks or months. If the great deal they are offering you today is not available tomorrow or next week it may be a scam.
4. No contract offered: Insist upon a written contract specifying in detail, the work to be performed and the agreed upon price.
5. Cash only sales: Most reputable contractors take checks or credit cards and don’t require cash-only terms.
6. Deals that seem to be good to be true: If the quoted price seems very low, chances are the quality of the work will also be quite low.
7. Unmarked truck: Often the trucks they travel in are unmarked or they have an out of town address and phone number. A little research will reveal that they have no permanent address and the phone number is often an answering machine.

A professionally designed and properly constructed asphalt pavement will last for many years and most reputable contractors will stand behind their work. Know who you are doing business with. Consumers are safer dealing with a contractor who has roots in the community.