Imagine a stranger pulling into your driveway with what sounds like a generous offer: freshly mixed asphalt, ready to pour, for half the normal cost. It feels like a lucky break—until you’re handed a surprise bill for thousands more than expected.
That’s exactly what happened to a homeowner in Canton, Georgia. And it’s part of a long-running scam that preys on trust, urgency, and a lack of paperwork.
This deceptive tactic isn’t new, but it’s gaining momentum again across Georgia. If you’re a homeowner—or even just someone who wants to help a neighbor—understanding how this trick works could save you thousands.
A Deal Too Good to Be True? It Was.
It started with a knock on the door. A man in a truck claimed his scheduled asphalt job had been canceled, leaving him with a full load of unused material. Rather than let it go to waste, he offered to pave the couple’s long dirt driveway—for half the regular cost.
“He said he’d do it for $10,000,” the homeowner told us. “Then he said he’d waive the labor entirely, just to get rid of the asphalt.”
Tempted by the savings, the couple agreed—without a written contract. When the job wrapped up, however, they were stunned to receive a bill for $16,000. The contractor claimed the full value of the job was $28,000 and that they were actually getting a deal.
Luckily, after TrustDALE intervened, the homeowners were refunded more than $9,000. But not everyone gets that kind of outcome.
This Is a Classic Home Improvement Scam
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NCIB) reported that in 2023 alone, $9.3 billion was lost due to home improvement and contractor scams. It has become such a problem, the NICB has dedicated one week each year to raise awareness about contractor fraud and hopefully help curb the billions of dollars in losses annually (see: Contractor Fraud Awareness Week).
Scammers often use the same pattern: show up unexpectedly, offer a time-sensitive discount, and pressure homeowners into making a quick decision—usually without paperwork.
What makes this type of fraud so effective?
- It sounds like a win-win: You get a discounted service, and they get to offload material.
- It feels urgent: “We have to do it today, or the asphalt will go to waste.”
- It seems personalized: They’re doing you a favor, just this once.
In reality, these "leftover" materials often don't exist—or they’re of such poor quality that the work won’t last more than a few months. Worse, the verbal agreement becomes meaningless once the bill arrives.
Contractor fraud has become such a problem, the NICB has dedicated one week each year to raise awareness and combat the billions of dollars in annual losses (source: DALL-E)
How to Protect Yourself From Driveway Deceit
So what should you do if someone offers an “act now” discount on home repairs?
- Say no to unsolicited offers. Legitimate contractors don't cold-call neighborhoods with leftover supplies. If someone shows up uninvited, send them on their way.
- Always get it in writing. A professional will offer a written contract outlining materials, labor, timelines, and costs. If they won’t? That’s a red flag.
- Do your homework. Check a business’s credentials, reviews, and Better Business Bureau ratings. Even better—go to TrustDALE.com, where every certified company is vetted for honesty, quality, and fair pricing. Plus, purchases made through TrustDALE are backed by the $10,000 Make-It-Right Guarantee, which protects you if something goes wrong.
Conclusion: Protect Your Home and Wallet
Scams like these thrive on pressure and confusion. But with a few simple precautions, you can protect your home—and your bank account—from becoming the next target.
Next time someone shows up with a “deal” in your driveway, ask yourself: Is this how professional work really starts?
If you need legitimate home improvement help, don’t leave it to chance. Explore certified businesses at TrustDALE.com—because your home deserves more than a handshake and a hollow promise.
