Civil Guard Warns of Rising 'Asphalt Scam' Targeting Businesses and Homeowners

The Civil Guard has issued a warning about a rise in the "asphalt scam," a criminal scheme targeting homeowners' associations and small business owners. Authorities report that these gangs use high-pressure tactics and the promise of a "bargain" to trick their victims.

The scam typically begins when individuals pose as workers from a nearby construction site. They claim to have leftover high-quality paving materials and offer to perform repairs at a price well below market rates. They pressure the victim to make an immediate decision and demand an upfront payment. Once they have the money, the scammers either disappear without doing any work or perform a substandard job using poor-quality materials.

The Civil Guard notes that the lack of a formal contract and the absence of a legal invoice are major red flags. While scammers may show documents to appear legitimate, these often contain fake or stolen information. This fraud not only causes financial loss but also leaves victims with no legal recourse for the poor work performed.

This scam is part of a broader trend of home renovation fraud. Experts advise that you should never hire someone who refuses to provide an itemized quote, a formal contract, or a proper invoice.

Authorities urge citizens to be cautious and always verify the identity and reputation of any company before allowing them to work on your property. If you believe you have been a victim of this scam, you should file a formal complaint with the police immediately. This is essential for both attempting to recover your money and helping investigators track down and stop these criminal groups.