Driveway-Paving / Tree-Removal Doorstep Scam
Traveling 'contractors' offer cheap driveway paving, tree work, or roof repairs using 'leftover materials,' take a deposit, and do shoddy work or none at all.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
A crew shows up unannounced offering a discount on driveway sealing/paving, tree removal, or roof/gutter work because they 'have leftover materials from a nearby job.' They pressure a quick cash or card deposit, then do poor-quality work, use cheap materials, inflate the final price, or vanish after the deposit. Seniors are frequent targets. Reputable contractors are licensed, provide written estimates, and don't cold-knock with 'today only' deals.
What it usually looks like
- An unannounced crew offering cheap paving/tree/roof work.
- A 'leftover materials' or 'in the neighborhood' story.
- Pressure for a quick deposit.
- No license, written estimate, or verifiable business.
Common warning signs
- Door-to-door contractors with 'today only' deals.
- Deposits demanded fast, often in cash.
- Leftover-materials or neighborhood pretexts.
- No license or written contract.
Example wording scammers use
“We're paving a driveway next door and have leftover asphalt — we'll do yours cheap if you decide right now.”
“That tree looks dangerous; we can take it down today for a deposit.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- A quick deposit.
- To do cheap/no work or inflate the price.
- To exploit convenience and pressure.
What to do
- Don't hire door-to-door contractors on the spot.
- Get written estimates and verify licensing/insurance/reviews.
- Never pay large cash deposits to traveling crews.
- Take your time and get multiple quotes.
What to do if you already responded
- Stop further payments; document the work and contract.
- Dispute card charges if misled; report to your state AG/BBB.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.