To the editor:

If you have a blacktop driveway or wish you had one but think you can’t afford it, beware. There are unscrupulous characters coming your way to con you out of your dream driveway – and your money. There are good, reliable asphalt companies in our area, but these wanna-bes are not those. Sadly, several unfortunate people in our area have been duped by their promises. Here is how they approach you, and, after gaining your trust, con you out of your money.

First, they discuss the job and find out what you would like to have them do. Then they offer to do it for an enticingly low price. You agree to pay them when their job is finished. Next, they start to work, using their big, black asphalt tank pulled by a truck. Before long, they have mechanical problems and stop to do repairs. They can’t get the problem fixed, so they plead for your mercy – and your money – to cover their repair expenses. You give them what they need, which is, of course, much more than the originally agreed upon amount. They promise they will return soon with repaired equipment. However, you will never see them again. And your money is already withdrawn from the bank and traveling with them as cash in their pockets to their next culprit. You try contacting them by the name and phone number on their business card – no such number. You try contacting them by other numbers or other means (computer, etc.), but no luck. If you do catch one of the crew by phone, you hear the awful news that the boss had a bad accident and is in the hospital or that some other disaster has delayed them, but that they are dead sure to be honest and return to finish your job. However, you will never see or hear from them again.

The worst part about this scene? There is almost nothing that you can do to get your money back from them. They are already on their way to their next victim;’s home using cash – your’s- so they cannot be traced and because you gave them the money they cannot be charged for stealing it. If you want a blacktop driveway or your blacktopped driveway resurfaced, call your nearest legitimate blacktop/asphalt business to do the work. You will be glad that you did.

Elaine Janssen

Fort Dodge