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OPP releases photos of suspects in Essa Township asphalt scam

Police say 'illegitimate company' operating under the name Icon or Ikon
BarrieToday Staff

Nottawasaga OPP has released photos of suspects wanted in relation to an asphalt scam.

Police recently warned of the scam involving an asphalt company operating in Angus in Essa Township.

Nottawasaga OPP says an “illegitimate company” going by the name Icon or Ikon is attempting to defraud people by offering reduced asphalt services.

“Upon entering into a verbal agreement, these individuals may begin working or damaging the current driveway. The scammers are skilled at communicating quickly in a tactic to make the consumer feel rushed into a decision to purchase the asphalt,” police said in a news release. “They are offering low-cost paving as they have a ‘surplus’ of asphalt from roadwork. They are giving estimates and then completing the jobs without paperwork or providing written quotes or receipts.”

Police say the crew is made up of all males who are operating newer-model, dark Ford F-150 pickup trucks.

Nottawasaga OPP provided the following tips for those who are getting home renovations:

  • Always read over thoroughly all written contracts before signing them. Get a family member to review them.
  • Get references from other customers to ensure quality of the work.
  • Do some research before you pay for products or services and consider getting numerous quotes.
  • Thoroughly understand what product or service you are purchasing, the process of any guarantees and the complaint process if you do not receive the product or service you paid for.
  • Inspect all work prior to making payment and ensure work has been completed properly and that the service you received was what you had paid for in your business contract.
  • Legitimate businesses will be happy to provide you with information on their services.
  • Always be careful about providing confidential personal information, especially banking and credit card details, unless you are certain that the company is legitimate.

Police believe there may be other victims in the community and encourage anyone with information to call OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.