The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is issuing a critical warning to residents following a surge in driveway paving scams. These scams deceive homeowners through high-pressure tactics and fraudulent services.
According to Orange County Sheriff Bobby Smith, these fraudsters pose as contractors and target residents with aggressive, unsolicited offers. The scammers typically claim they have leftover materials from nearby projects and offer discounted paving services. In reality, the goal is to pressure victims into paying large sums of money upfront, often for shoddy work—or no work at all.
“These scammers are using increasingly sophisticated methods to trick homeowners,” Sheriff Smith stated. “They may impersonate legitimate businesses, use intimidation tactics, and leave fake contact information to avoid detection.”
How the Scam Works
The Sheriff’s Office has identified several key tactics used in these scams:
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Unsolicited approaches with low-cost paving offers
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Demands for substantial upfront cash payments
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Subpar or incomplete work or complete disappearance after payment
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Threats of legal action to coerce cooperation
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Use of fake names, business identities, and contact details
How to Protect Yourself
Sheriff Smith advises homeowners to take the following precautions:
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Be skeptical of unsolicited offers for home improvement services
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Always research contractors thoroughly before hiring
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Secure a written contract detailing the scope of work and payment terms
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Avoid paying the full amount upfront
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Use checks or credit cards instead of cash for added protection
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Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is
Residents who believe they have been targeted or victimized are urged to report the incident immediately to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office at (409) 883-2612. Anyone with information related to these scams is also encouraged to come forward.
“Stay safe, stay alert,” Sheriff Smith emphasized. “Protecting our community means being vigilant against these fraudulent schemes.”