How to Spot a Real Contractor: Bath Police Warns Residents of Scams

On July 9, one man tried to con two different Bath residents into having their driveway sealed with "extra asphalt from a job," said Chief Michael McNeely.

The man told a homeowner on Hametown and Shaw roads that he had leftover asphalt from a previous job and was willing to fix their driveway at a cheap price. Both homeowners declined and reported the incident to police.

The man was reported to be Hispanic and driving a silver Toyota Tundra pickup. He was not found by police.

McNeely said sometimes the fake contractors do have asphalt, but it is of poor quality and falls apart right away. Other scammers come around after storms and say they are there to cut fallen limbs or to check your roof for hail damage.

McNeely said if you thinking someone is trying to scam you into work, ask them for the following proof of legitimacy:

1. Ask for a business card. A professional contractor will have one.

2. If they are soliciting work door-to-door, they should have a soliciting permit from Summit County. If not, they aren't legitimate.

If you're still in doubt, call the , McNeely said. Police will come to your house and if the person is still their, they'll do a background check.

"Don't be embarrassed to call," McNeely said. "If they are legitimate, there's no harm done. Just keep an eye out and don't be fooled."