Driveway Paving Scams: FCPD’s Tips to Avoid Fraudsters

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Fairfax County, VA – Ahead of the spring season, FCPD’s Financial Crimes Unit wants to warn community members of driveway paving scammers looking to take advantage of homeowners.

The Scam:

The schemes usually begin with solicitation, or a knock at the door. The fraudster typically presents a deal to re-pave a driveway, seal it, or provide other stone or concrete work. Fraudsters will attempt to create a sense of urgency for the homeowner to agree to the work immediately, sometimes without any formal contract. The fraudster typically takes a monetary deposit from the homeowner, begins work and fails to complete it, often leaving the homeowner’s property in worse condition than it started.

Tips for Homeowners:

The Fairfax County Police Department urges homeowners to follow these essential tips to protect themselves from falling victim to paving scammers:

Know when solicitor violations are happening. Fairfax County ordinances govern how solicitors can conduct their business. Legitimate and reputable businesses typically abide by local solicitation regulations. Below is an example of a legitimate Fairfax County solicitor’s license, which is a laminated card displaying the solicitor’s photograph, fingerprints, and personal information:

When a solicitor knocks:

  • Ask for his or her soliciting license.
  • If they do not have a valid license, ask them to leave.
  • Close and lock your door.
  • Immediately call Fairfax County Police (non-emergency) at 703-691-2131 to report the violation.

When hiring a contractor:

  • Request to see a copy of the contractor’s business license.
  • Consider receiving multiple quotes from different contractors. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
  • Keep all records, including contracts, text messages, emails, and any communication between you and your contractor.
  • Do basic internet searches on addresses and phone numbers provided by contractors.


To report a solicitor violation that is actively occurring, call FCPD’s non-emergency number at 703-691-2131. To report past solicitor violation complaints, please contact the Fairfax County Regulations and Licensing office at 703-324-5966.
If you have been a victim of a financial crime, please contact the Fairfax County Police Department by filing a report through our Financial Crimes Online Reporting (FiCOR) website. If you are unable to file a report on the computer, call our non-emergency line at 703-691-2131 to have an officer assist you with making a FiCOR report.


For more information about Elder fraud, visit the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crimes website by clicking HERE. If you have been a victim of elder fraud and reside outside of Fairfax County, you can call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311.


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