09/24/2026
⚠️ COMMUNITY ALERT – DRIVEWAY REPAIR & SEALCOATING SCAMS ⚠️
The Hinckley Police Department is alerting residents to driveway repair and sealcoating scams targeting members of the community, particularly senior citizens.
In this type of scam, individuals may approach a homeowner unsolicited and offer to sealcoat, repair, or replace an asphalt driveway. They may claim they are working nearby, have leftover materials from another job, or can provide the work at a special or discounted price.
After beginning or completing the work, the homeowner may be presented with a bill for an **extraordinarily high amount**—often far more than what was originally discussed. The work performed may also be incomplete, unnecessary, or of poor quality.
Residents are encouraged to take the following precautions:
• Be cautious of contractors who arrive at your home unsolicited and pressure you to make an immediate decision.
• Do not allow work to begin without a written estimate or contract clearly identifying the work to be performed and the total cost.
• Never rely solely on a verbal estimate or agreement.
• Ask for the contractor's full name, company name, address, telephone number, and proof of insurance.
• Take time to research the contractor and obtain estimates from established local businesses before agreeing to significant repairs.
• Be suspicious of claims that a contractor has "leftover asphalt" or materials from another job and can offer you a special price if you agree immediately.
• Do not provide large cash payments or allow yourself to be pressured into going to a bank or ATM to obtain money.
• If someone becomes aggressive, refuses to leave your property, or makes you feel unsafe, contact law enforcement.
Please check on elderly family members, friends, and neighbors and discuss these types of scams with them. A short conversation beforehand may prevent someone from becoming a victim.
If you believe you have been victimized, or if you observe suspicious individuals soliciting driveway work in your neighborhood, please contact the Hinckley Police Department.
When in doubt, don't be pressured into making an immediate decision. Stop, verify, and ask for help.
Hinckley Police Department
