ATTORNEY GENERAL WRIGLEYWARNS ABOUT TRANSIENT ASPHALT PAVING SCAMS

29 May ATTORNEY GENERAL WRIGLEYWARNS ABOUT TRANSIENT ASPHALT PAVING SCAMS

May 29, 2026

_{Media Contact: Suzie Weigel 701.328.2210}

BISMARCK, ND – North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley issued a statement warning residents to avoid asphalt-paving scams targeting homeowners.

How the scam works:

Fraudulent contractors may approach homeowners unannounced, claiming they are working “in the area” and have “excess material” available at a discount. They often pressure consumers to make a same-day decision on whether to accept and proceed with the work. Once a price is agreed upon, the contractor may demand a large upfront payment or begin work immediately and insist on payment as soon as the job appears complete. Some will use intimidation or threats to force quick payment before the consumer can inspect the work.

If paid upfront, scammers may simply leave town without completing the project. And if the scammers do the work, it’s often low quality because they cut corners— skipping proper prep work, using too little material or the wrong kind, or working with unskilled labor and poor-quality equipment.

Once payment is made, the contractor becomes difficult or impossible to contact, leaving consumers to face repeated delays, excuses, or complete non-responsiveness.

How to protect yourself:

You can protect yourself by being cautious of anyone offering unsolicited paving work, especially if they claim to have leftover material. “Scammers show up uninvited and try to rush consumers into quick decisions” Wrigley stated and adds that “reputable contractors don’t operate that way.” Remember to slow down, verify, and protect yourself.

Research any contractor before hiring. Ask where the business is located, request local references, ask whether the contractor is licensed with the Secretary of State, and search online for complaints or negative reviews. It is also important to get all estimates and terms in writing. Do not allow work to begin without a written contract that includes start and completion dates, a description of the work, material details, payment terms, and warranty information.

Avoid making full payment upfront. Instead, stagger payments so work can be inspected at each stage. Whenever possible, pay by credit card. Your credit card company may offer recourse if the transaction turns out to be fraudulent. If paying by check, make it out to a company—not an individual. Avoid using cash and mobile payment apps, which cannot be reversed if problems arise.

“Pay attention if your intuition tells you that an offer appears too good to be true, because it likely is,” Wrigley said.

Consumers with questions or who suspect they may have been targeted by an asphalt-paving scam should contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 701-328-3404.

###