Better Business Bureau Warns Of Asphalt Scam

Oak Creek residents and businesses should be on the lookout for "James Joles Asphalt Paving."

It's a scam, according to the Better Business Bureau. 

Joles is visiting neighborhoods throughout southeastern Wisconsin stating he has extra asphalt left over from other jobs. He offers discount prices and gives the impression he's a local company. 

Joles uses an Oak Creek address of 6508 S. 27th St., but that is the address of a UPS store and Joles is renting a box there, according to a news release. 

The bureau has taken more than 40 inquires about James Joles Asphalt Paving in the last month. 

One of those inquires came from an 81-year-old Oak Creek woman who said a man walked up her driveway saying he had leftover sealer. She ended up losing $3,240 and had damage on the side of the trim on her garage.

"Unfortunately, we see this type of scam arise every year in Wisconsin when the weather warms up," said Ran Hoth, Wisconsin BBB president and chief executive officer in the news release. "This is a common ploy of traveling crews who go from state to state, using trucks as their point of business.  Their work is shoddy and customers can’t reach them after they finish the job."

The BBB reminds consumers to be suspicious of salespeople approaching them at their home, offering a service and asking for cash payments. Residents should always ask for a business card and, if necessary, check out the company with the Better Business Bureau. 

For more information or to file a complaint, contact the Wisconsin BBB at (414) 847-6000 or visit the organization's website.