Warning issued about potential Clinton County solicitor scams

The public is being advised about potential door-to-door asphalt and paving scams.

According to a release from the Clinton County Sheriffs Office, residents are advised to exercise caution when approached by door-to-door solicitors offering asphalt paving, driveway repair, seal coating or similar services:

Throughout Iowa and the Midwest, law enforcement agencies and consumer protection officials have received complaints involving transient paving contractors who use high-pressure sales tactics, claim to have ‘leftover materials’ from nearby projects, offer ‘today only’ discounts or seek immediate payment before work is completed.

While not all door-to-door contractors are engaged in improper conduct, residents should be aware of their rights and take steps to protect themselves before entering into any agreement. Residents should also be aware that there is a Clinton County Ordinance which requires peddlers, solicitors and transient merchants operating within the unincorporated areas of Clinton County to obtain a license through the Clinton County Sheriffs Office before engaging in such activities. The licensing requirement assists law enforcement in identifying individuals conducting door-to-door business and provides an additional measure of consumer protection. Residents should note that possession of a county license does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or approval by Clinton County of any individual, company, product, or service. Rather, the license indicates only that the individual has completed the licensing process required by county ordinance.

Residents are encouraged to ask door-to-door solicitors whether they possess a valid Clinton County peddler, solicitor, or transient merchant license. If a solicitor is unable or unwilling to provide proof of licensure, residents are encouraged to contact the Clinton County Sheriffs Office.

According to the release, residents are also encouraged to do the following:

• Obtain the contractor’s full name, business name, address, telephone number and proof of insurance.
• Ask whether the contractor possesses a valid Clinton County peddler, solicitor, or transient merchant license.
• Request references and verify the contractor’s reputation before signing any agreement.
• Obtain multiple written estimates from established local contractors.
• Never feel pressured to make an immediate decision.
• Avoid paying large deposits or making full payment before work is satisfactorily completed.
• Carefully review any written contract before signing.

Under Iowa law, many door-to-door sales transactions are subject to a three-business-day right of cancellation. Residents who sign a qualifying contract at their home may have the right to cancel the agreement without penalty within the time allowed by law. Consumers should carefully review any cancellation notices provided with a contract and retain copies of all documents.

Residents are asked to cautious if a solicitor does the following:

• Claims to have leftover asphalt or materials that must be used immediately
• Requests cash-only payments
• Refuses to provide written documentation
• Cannot provide proof of a Clinton County license when required
• Pressures the homeowner to sign immediately
• Becomes evasive when asked for identifying information

Residents who believes they have been the victim of fraud, deceptive business practices or suspicious solicitation activity or observe unlicensed peddling or solicitation activity are asked to contact the Clinton County Sheriffs Office.

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