Residents of Bloomington beware: Summ has brought not only the warm embrace of the sun but also the shady dealings of seal coating scammers prowling the neighborhood. Posing as contractors, these scammers tout too-good-to-be-true deals, often claiming to have leftover materials from another job close by. In a recent alert issued by the Bloomington Police Department, homeowners are urged to exercise caution and vigilance when approached with such offers. As reported by the Bloomington Police Department, MN, legitimate contractors should hold a city-issued license—anything less might just be a ticket to getting scammed.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as the old saying goes. In response to the report from the Blooming Police Department, it's recommended to steer clear from contractors who don’t have their trucks visibly lettered with their company information or those sporting temporary magnet signs and out-of-state plates. The police caution against the seductive but hollow promises of a '"now or never'" deal, as per the Bloomington Police Department, MN. If a contractor only accepts cash or insists on a check written out to cash or to their personal name, raise that red flag high. It turns out that a reputable contractor's preferred currency is trust, not just cold, hard cash.
The community is advised to ask for references and to conduct a proper verification of credentials before any sealcoating work begins. Several layers of defense are suggested, from obtaining a written quote to personally verifying contact information. Homeowners should also request to see the contractor's driver's license and certificate of insurance. The police department adds, "Do not pay for work upfront," echoing the common adage in such situations. They further emphasize that "if the deal sounds too good to be true, IT IS!"
