A weekly service of the Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs Division
Topic: Driveway Repairs
Trap: Mr. T from Boynton Beach was tired of looking at his faded black top driveway. He remembered the flyer left at his front door, “Driveway Repairs…FREE estimates”. He called and spoke with a nice guy who said he could come right over. The nice guy said he had some materials left over and could do the job today for a special cash price. Mr. T, sensing a good deal, gave the go ahead. A half hour later, the job was done. However, after the first rain, the driveway’s shiny black finish was gone. Mr. T called the business and was told, “The cellular number you have dialed is no longer in service” and Mr. T had no way to get in touch with Mr. Nice Guy.
Tips: Mr. T was looking to get the job done quick and cheap! He could have saved himself time and money by:
• Being wary of anyone soliciting home repair work by distributing flyers.
• Always getting at least two written estimates. Verify that the business has an active city/county business tax receipt.
• Making sure the contract spells out the terms completely and shows the name of the business and street address.
• Never paying cash or a large upfront fee to “get more materials”. You’ll never see him again!
• Asking for proof of worker’s compensation insurance. You may be responsible if someone gets hurt on your property.
If someone comes to your door unsolicited and uses high pressure tactics, tell them no, close the door and call the Sheriff or your local police department. Need more information - call Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs at 561-712-6600 or visit our website www.pbcgov.com/consumer to see if other consumers have filed complaints against the company you are considering.
Dennis Moore, Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs Division, 561-712-6600
Boca/Delray/Glades toll free: 1-888-852-7362 Fax: 561-712-6610
50 So. Military Trail, Suite 201, West Palm Beach, FL 33415
Check out our website at: http://www.pbcgov.com/consumer
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Report from State Reperesentative Dist. 90 Kelly Skidmore
Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office Sets Up Online Reporting for Minor Crimes
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office recently unveiled an online reporting system for minor crimes, which can be used to report a harassing phone call, traffic crash, hit and run, identity theft, lost property, theft, trash dumping, vandalism, graffiti, or file an informational report.
To submit a report, visit https://reporting.pbso.org/dors/Coplogic/start-report.html. However, if you have an emergency please call 911.