The Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office is warning area residents about persons allegedly involved in “Asphalt Scams” in Pottawattamie County. Sheriff Jeff Danker says an Asphalt Scam is when an individual approaches a resident and claims to be working in the area doing road re-surfacing. They tell the victim they have left over asphalt and that they can pave a driveway or whatever surface for a substantially reduced rate. The person will generally want the money up front and when or if the work is complete.

Danker says the victim is left with a shallow covering of asphalt that is so thin it will not last under the weight of a normal vehicle. He warns, if you are approached by anyone trying to sell you goods or services for a rate too good to be true, it is generally a scam and you should check the company out prior to entering into any type of agreement or providing any type of payment to them.

In addition, you should report the activity to your local law enforcement agency immediately.