An alleged paving scammer in Springfield Township, Bucks County
The Springfield Township Police Department in Upper Bucks County late last month said it had already received its first report this year of a “paving scammer” operating in the township.
Police did not specify where in the township the report was taken.
“These individuals are usually gypsies that use fake information in order to solicit paving projects for what seems to be pennies on the dollar. Their work is often sub-par, if you even get them to come back at all to start your job,” police said in an April 24 post on the PA Crimewatch website.
Police said common tactics used by the driveway pavers are to ask for money up front for material, or to inform a homeowner that they have “extra” material on a truck at a nearby job site, and that “it will go to waste if they don’t use it, hence the discounted price.”
“They will often operate vehicles without markings or business names on them,” police added. They included several eyewitness photos of an unmarked black Dodge Ram extended cab pickup truck with their post.
An alleged paving scammer in Springfield Township, Bucks County
Residents should be aware that Springfield Township has an ordinance that requires businesses and/or individuals wishing to sell goods or services door-to-door to apply for and receive a permit, which is kept on file at the police department. The individuals soliciting door-to-door must have the permit with them while soliciting, and residents should ask upon being approached if the individual possesses a permit, police said.
Peddlers who do not have a permit should be reported to the Springfield Township Police Department by calling 610-982-5411, police said.
“Our experiences have revealed that these individuals often operate vehicles without valid licenses and other required items (such as insurance/registration). We have also encountered individuals with outstanding warrants for their arrest,” police noted.
Both Hellertown borough and Lower Saucon Township also have versions of peddler/solicitor ordinances on the books, and residents of both municipalities should also report anyone without a permit to their respective police departments.
An alleged paving scammer in Springfield Township, Bucks County
