KAWARTHA LAKES-The Peterborough County OPP is currently investigating a possible Scam that has been reported in the Otonabee-South Monaghan Township.
On Thursday May 28, 2026, the Peterborough County OPP received a call from an individual concerned about their parent being contacted by someone regarding paving their driveway. The caller stated that their parent had an individual knock on their door stating that they had just completed an asphalt job on Highway 115 and they had additional material left that they could deliver and complete their driveway the next day for a good price. The individual had shown up at the residence in an unmarked pickup truck and did not display any company logo or contact information.
Fortunately, no contract had been signed, and no money had been transferred prior to the caller contacting police. The Peterborough County OPP believe that this is a Scam and want to advise the community on what to watch out for.
Here’s some things to remember…
Major Red Flags
• The “Leftover Material” Pitch: A contractor knocks on your door claiming they just finished a job nearby and have leftover asphalt they can sell you at a massive discount. Professional contractors calculate material precisely; asphalt must be hot to install correctly, and leftover material from another job would be too cold to use.
• Unmarked Vehicles: The workers arrive in unmarked trucks with no company logos, or they use out-of-province/out-of-state license plates.
• High-Pressure Tactics: They push you to make an immediate decision, claiming the deal is “only available right now.”
• Cash-Only Discounts: They demand payment in cash or offer a steep discount if you pay upfront in cash.
• No Written Contract: They refuse to provide a detailed written estimate or contract, offering only a verbal agreement or a vague, handwritten receipt.
• Lack of Verifiable Info: The company has no physical address, no local phone number, and no online presence (website or reviews).
Best Practices to Protect Yourself
• Get Three Quotes: Always get multiple written estimates from local, established businesses to understand the fair market price.
• Verify Credentials: Check for a local business license, liability insurance, and Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage.
• Never Pay Upfront: Do not pay the full amount or a large deposit before work begins. A small deposit (around 10-15%) is standard, but the final payment should only be made when the job is fully completed to your satisfaction.
• Check Reviews: Look up the company on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google, or trusted local review sites before hiring them.
The OPP urge residents to remain vigilant and report any frauds, suspicious offers, or suspicious contractor activity. If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
