What started as a knock on the door and a promise of fast home repairs in Lower Southampton Township has now pulled in the FBI, as federal agents join local police in tracking down contractors accused of scamming Bucks County homeowners. Investigators say crews using names such as Superior Paving and Construction took thousands of dollars for “quick” repair jobs, then walked away with work unfinished, leaving entire neighborhoods on edge.
Homeowner Greg Farina told investigators he wrote several checks totaling thousands of dollars, drained his retirement account and ultimately had to bring in legitimate contractors to finish the job, according to NBC10. The outlet reports the FBI is now assisting Bucks County police after the latest victim came forward and that earlier coverage prompted other residents to take a hard second look at work recently done on their homes.
Police describe fake inspectors and sudden price hikes
Lower Southampton Township police say the crews canvassed neighborhoods, knocked on doors, handed out flyers and operated under the name “Superior Paving and Construction,” then brought in men posing as inspectors who flagged new “problems” to justify higher prices, according to the Lower Southampton Township Police Department. The department’s public notice names an inspector called “Steve” and a second inspector listed as “Tony” from “MAGA Construction & Masonry.” Police add that no township permits were ever filed for the work and say they believe there may be more victims who have not yet reported what happened.
Detective: 'They were using their own inspectors'
“They also use computer generated numbers where you can’t trace it,” Detective Stephen Brooks told NBC10, describing how the crews avoided straightforward contact information. Brooks said investigators found the workers sometimes supplied their own “inspectors” and skipped required township permits, making it harder to follow up, verify the work and track the people behind the operation.
How to spot and avoid the scam
Police and county consumer-protection officials are urging homeowners to slow the process down and do some homework before signing anything. They recommend confirming a contractor’s physical address and HIC registration and avoiding paying the full balance up front; those are among the standard tips in Bucks County’s fraud alerts. According to county guidance, red flags include high-pressure pitches, requests to make checks payable to an individual or unrelated third-party business, out-of-state license plates on work vehicles and a lack of written permits or contracts. More detailed advice is available in the county’s consumer tips from Bucks County Consumer Protection.
Anyone who dealt with crews identifying themselves as Superior Paving and Construction or MAGA Construction & Masonry, or who has unfinished work, is asked to contact Detective Stephen Brookes at (215) 357-1235, ext. 339, or [email protected], per the Lower Southampton posting. Officials say those calls and emails could help connect scattered complaints into a stronger case as the FBI and local detectives keep working the investigation.
