Orange County Sheriff Warns Residents of Rising Home Improvement Scam

Orange County Sheriff Paul Arteta is warning residents to be on alert for a growing home improvement scam targeting homeowners throughout the county.

According to the Sheriff's Office, reports have been increasing involving traveling or unlicensed contractors who go door-to-door offering unsolicited driveway paving, sealing, and repair services at seemingly attractive prices. Authorities say the individuals often perform substandard work and then demand significantly higher payments than originally discussed.

One of the most common schemes involves what investigators refer to as the "asphalt millings" scam. In these cases, individuals claim they have leftover paving material from a nearby job and offer to pave or repair a driveway at a discounted rate. The work is often completed using inexpensive asphalt millings that are improperly installed without a proper foundation, resulting in a driveway that quickly deteriorates.

Officials note that many of these contractors insist on receiving full cash payment upfront, a practice that should raise immediate concerns. While legitimate contractors may request a deposit, reputable companies generally do not demand full payment before work begins.

The Sheriff's Office is urging residents to exercise caution when approached by unsolicited contractors and to watch for several warning signs, including pressure to make immediate decisions, a lack of business identification, refusal to provide written estimates, failure to provide contact information, and requests for personal information about household members.

Residents are encouraged to verify contractor credentials, obtain multiple estimates, and avoid making payments without a written agreement.

Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or victimized by a similar scam is urged to contact the Orange County Sheriff's Office Investigations Bureau at 845-862-4033.