Police: Resident Complains Paving Company Never Finish $5,800 Job

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FRAMINGHAM – A Framingham resident reported to police a paving company did not complete their work, after being paid.

The larceny was reported at 8:21 a.m. on June 1 by a Gleason Street resident, according to the police log.

The resident said “paving that was paid for and never completed by the company,” said Framingham Police spokesperson Lt. Rachel Mickens.

The estimate cost was $5,800, said police.

[broadstreet zone=”59984″]

The Better Business Bureau offers tips when hiring a paving contractor:

• Be wary of unsolicited offers. Most scams involving contractors begin when a random contractor makes an effort to go out of their way to offer an estimate that was never requested.
• Research companies and contractors before you hire. Start with BBB.org. If the contractor has multiple negative reviews and complaints, don’t hire them. Often, a simple internet search will reveal companies or individuals that have been involved in fraudulent activities or provided unsatisfactory work to previous clients.
• Get everything in writing. Ask for an estimate in writing before payment is even discussed. Don’t let a contractor start working on a project until a written, signed contract outlining start and complete dates, a detailed description of the work to be provided, material costs, payment arrangements, and warranty information is provided.
• Stagger payments. Most contractors will require a percentage of the total price up front, but it should never be the full price before the work has begun. Instead, make an agreement to stagger payments, so work can be inspected at various stages of the project.
• Use safe payment methods. Paying with a credit card provides some peace of mind, since the credit card company will help you if the company is fraudulent. If you use a check, write them out to a company, not an individual. Paying cash or using an electronic wallet app is risky, since there is no way to stop the payment or get cash back if anything goes wrong.