News
Released: March 18, 2026 - Wednesday, 03:32 PM
Deputies have responded to calls for service related to these scams in Huasna Township in January and again last week in Nipomo. These incidents involve individuals posing as contractors who approach homeowners offering discounted driveway paving services. Each time, after the work was done, the scammers demanded much more money than what was verbally agreed upon with the homeowner. Sometimes the price was inflated two, three, even ten times more than the agreed upon cost, with the hopes the homeowner would "settle" for a higher price.
Asphalt paving scams typically involve traveling sales crews who claim they have “leftover” materials from a nearby job and can complete work quickly at a reduced price. In reality, these materials are rarely leftover, and the work performed is often substandard. Victims frequently report that the asphalt applied is too thin, improperly installed, or of inferior quality, resulting in driveways that begin to crack and deteriorate shortly after completion.
In many cases, these suspects go door-to-door, use high-pressure tactics to rush homeowners into making immediate decisions, and insist on cash-only payments. Once the work is completed, or sometimes before, it becomes difficult to locate the individuals, leaving homeowners with costly repairs and little recourse.
Common Asphalt Paving Scam Tactics Include:
Claiming to have “leftover” asphalt from a nearby job and offering a discounted price
Traveling from out of the area and leaving before issues with the work become apparent
Demanding cash-only payments to avoid detection
Using high-pressure sales tactics to secure immediate agreement
Performing poor-quality work, such as applying a very thin layer of asphalt or using improper materials
Increasing the price significantly after the job has already begun
How to Protect Yourself:
Do not accept unsolicited, door-to-door offers for paving services
Verify the contractor’s license and insurance through the California Contractors State License Board or the Better Business Bureau
Obtain at least three written estimates from reputable, local companies
Require a written contract that includes the company’s name, address, phone number, license number, and a detailed scope of work
Avoid paying in cash. Use a check or credit card to ensure a record of the transaction
Asphalt Paving Scam Alert
Contact: Tony CipollaPhone: 805-781-4547Date and time of incident: Currently OngoingPlace of Occurrence: San Luis Obispo CountyVictim Information: N/ASuspect Information: N/AThe San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a recent increase in asphalt paving scams reported in the area.Deputies have responded to calls for service related to these scams in Huasna Township in January and again last week in Nipomo. These incidents involve individuals posing as contractors who approach homeowners offering discounted driveway paving services. Each time, after the work was done, the scammers demanded much more money than what was verbally agreed upon with the homeowner. Sometimes the price was inflated two, three, even ten times more than the agreed upon cost, with the hopes the homeowner would "settle" for a higher price.
Asphalt paving scams typically involve traveling sales crews who claim they have “leftover” materials from a nearby job and can complete work quickly at a reduced price. In reality, these materials are rarely leftover, and the work performed is often substandard. Victims frequently report that the asphalt applied is too thin, improperly installed, or of inferior quality, resulting in driveways that begin to crack and deteriorate shortly after completion.
In many cases, these suspects go door-to-door, use high-pressure tactics to rush homeowners into making immediate decisions, and insist on cash-only payments. Once the work is completed, or sometimes before, it becomes difficult to locate the individuals, leaving homeowners with costly repairs and little recourse.
Common Asphalt Paving Scam Tactics Include:
Claiming to have “leftover” asphalt from a nearby job and offering a discounted price
Traveling from out of the area and leaving before issues with the work become apparent
Demanding cash-only payments to avoid detection
Using high-pressure sales tactics to secure immediate agreement
Performing poor-quality work, such as applying a very thin layer of asphalt or using improper materials
Increasing the price significantly after the job has already begun
How to Protect Yourself:
Do not accept unsolicited, door-to-door offers for paving services
Verify the contractor’s license and insurance through the California Contractors State License Board or the Better Business Bureau
Obtain at least three written estimates from reputable, local companies
Require a written contract that includes the company’s name, address, phone number, license number, and a detailed scope of work
Avoid paying in cash. Use a check or credit card to ensure a record of the transaction
