Spring is here, and with it comes a warning to homeowners about a fraudulent paving company working across Lower Mainland BC.
Consumer reports from places like Port Coquitlam and Vancouver show that men have shown up suddenly in communities offering to resurface asphalt driveways. A male using the name of Gerry O’Connery claims to be a representative of Advantage Paving. The representative provided a brochure for the company and a quote with a five-year guarantee.
One consumer paid $5,300 money order to the company to have the work completed, which later turned out to be substandard and fell apart after a few days and after trying to track down the company the homeowner found out the office listed on the invoice was a fake.
The address given by the company is 12783 82nd Ave in Surrey, which a neighbouring business reported that was a vacant lot.
Click here to see the Advantage Paving flyer
“These fly by night contractors typically target a community for only a few days and then move to another location leaving consumers out-of-pocket money and upset,” says BBB President and CEO Lynda Pasacreta. “Consumers need to be vigilant and not be taken in by low prices and guarantees.”
Before you give any money to anyone or allow them into your home, BBB suggests:
Get the name and location. Get the name and address of the company the vendor claims to represent and do your research. Check the business out at mbc.bbb.org.
Get it in writing. Ensure all details and verbal promises are included in a contract. Review it and make sure that you understand everything in the document. Never sign a contract with sections left blank.
Check for qualifications. Verify the individual is licensed, bonded, insured and has registered with WorkSafeBC (Workers’ Compensation Board).
Make cheques payable to the company. Do not pay in cash and do not make cheques payable to an individual, only the company.
Avoid "Bait and switch" tactics. Some disreputable companies will offer low prices for installing items like windows and home siding, but then come back later to the client saying the item is currently out of stock and can only be replaced with a high-priced substitute. Have everything in writing and know the terms in advance.
Remember to cool off if there’s pressure. Do not be pressured by any person if you are unsure. Take the time to do your due diligence. If you did sign and would like change your mind, BC law states that if it was a door-to-door sales contract then you have 10 days to advise the company. For more information, contact Consumer Protection BC at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca