Man, 33, arrested after running alleged driveway paving scam in Bloomingdale, New Jersey
BLOOMINGDALE, New Jersey (WABC) -- In New Jersey, and basically anywhere, scams seem to be endless. But the fraud officers and residents in Bloomingdale became aware of over the weekend is definitely a new one.
A man was arrested after being accused of running a driveway paving scam in the neighborhood. Police say 33-year-old Patrick Connors was in charge of a fake company called Total Paving & Masonry and was soliciting without required permits or approvals.
On March 7, officers responded to a home on White Haven Place and saw trucks displaying the Total Paving & Masonry's name. The homeowner told police workers from the company damaged his driveway and raised the cost of their services by thousands of dollars from the original quote. Investigators also confirmed the fake business didn't hold an active license to operate in the state.
The homeowner, who refused to go on camera, told Eyewitness News the only reason Connors got caught was because his truck was blocking her neighbor's driveway. The neighbors called the cops.
The homeowner added Connors and his employees knocked on her door and offered their services. Other residents said the trucks drove up and down the block handing out business cards and group rates that several neighbors got in.
Another resident on White Haven Lane acknowledged when she asked to see a permit, Connors himself claimed it was in his truck and never produced it.
Connors was charged with several criminal offenses and consumers affairs violations. His company's vehicles were also impounded, including their dump truck.
Bloomingdale police are reminding residents that if a contractor comes to their house, ask for their permit.
If the contractor doesn't have a permit, immediately call police.
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