The Kingston Police Service is warning local homeowners to stay alert for door-to-door paving scams as warmer spring weather arrives. These fraudulent operators frequently approach residents with claims that they are already working in the neighbourhood, offering deep discounts for paving services if the homeowner agrees to pay cash upfront.
According to police, these arrangements often result in poor outcomes for residents. In many reported cases, the work is left unfinished, completed using low-quality materials, or results in large piles of asphalt and construction debris being left behind on the property, sometimes blocking the street. Authorities caution that these scammers may present professional-looking invoices or contracts to appear legitimate.
This issue has been a recurring concern in the region. In July 2025, Kingston Police officers responded to a reported paving scam on Sherwood Drive. During that incident, a suspect attempted to secure a $6,000 cash payment for driveway work and even offered to drive the homeowners to their bank to withdraw the funds before police intervened. The individuals involved were later taken into custody by the Canada Border Services Agency.
The Ontario Provincial Police has issued similar warnings across the province, noting that these operations have been linked to broader criminal activity, including concerns related to human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable workers. To protect themselves, residents are urged to research all contractors thoroughly, obtain written estimates, and avoid making cash payments before any work is actually performed. Anyone who suspects they have been targeted is encouraged to contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Homeowners should also be aware of their rights under the Ontario Consumer Protection Act. This legislation provides a 10-day cooling-off period for contracts signed at the door, allowing consumers to cancel without penalty. If a contract fails to include required information, that cancellation period can extend up to one year.
