News : Scammers attempting to use asphalt service to bilk area residents

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is investigating complaints about travelling asphalt contractors. A contractor will come to someone’s property stating they have left over asphalt from a job that day offering them a “good deal”. In some cases they quote a price, then after completing the work submit a bill for a much higher price. In some cases they put down ground up reclaimed asphalt without adding any oil.

With the different terminology being used by some contractors, we strongly encourage all Benton County residents to check and confirm what they are actually getting. Ground up asphalt without the addition of added oil and processing is not black top in the traditional terms that most people recognize and will not hold up like true “blacktop” material. Make sure the contractor provides a written bid detailing exactly what product you are receiving, the work they are going to do and what the total price is. You should check their references.

We have checked with local commercial blacktop contractors and they do not take left over blacktop product from a job around the area offering, “special deals”. We would encourage you to always get a second bid and to deal with local contractors who are licensed, bonded and insured and who have a place of business.

Randall L Forsyth

Benton County Sheriff