Contractor Fraud – Driveway Sealing Scam

 The San Carlos Police Department warns residents to be on the lookout for scam artists posing as driveway sealing contractors. The perpetrators often prey on senior citizens, taking payment and then disappearing without performing the work promised. This kind of scam is not new and has occurred in communities across the country.

The San Carlos Police Department has received information that a group of 3 suspects are working on the peninsula.  Descriptions of the suspects’ vehicles are as follows:

• 2001 white Chevy King Cab pulling a trailer with a yellow tank inside the trailer. The tank presumably holds some type of sealing material.
• 1998-2000 Chevy King Cab pulling a trailer with a black tank inside the trailer. Again, the tank contains some type of sealing material.
• There is a third subject who acts as their look out. He is driving an unknown color Olds Cutlass.

In addition to not performing the work as promised, the suspects may work their way into the victim’s home to steal money or accompany the victim to their bank to withdraw cash for them.

The Police Department advises residents that there are many honest, skilled and legitimate contractors throughout the County.   Residents are urged to check licenses, insurance policies and bonds prior to hiring a contractor by visiting the State website at www.cslb.ca.gov or calling (800) 321-CSLB. 

Residents who believe that a contracting scam is being perpetrated should report it by calling their local police department or by dialing 911 in an emergency.