Attorney General Warns of Transient Paving and Roofing Scams Targeting the State

PIERRE, S.D.-   Attorney General Larry Long is warning South Dakota consumers about transient paving and roofing scams that have recently surfaced in the state. The Consumer Protection Division has received several complaints in the past week about out-of-state transient crews wandering door-to-door promising low prices for roofing and paving jobs. Representatives of the crews typically approach consumers in their homes, promising low estimates because of leftover materials from a completed job a few houses away. What the consumer is actually receiving is a poor quality job that will not last, but the crew will be long gone.  

Some tips to consider: 

• Request a written contract specifying in detail the work to be done and the agreed upon price. 
• Be cautious if cash-only terms are required. 
• Ask for local references and call these references to make sure they were satisfied. 
• Get bids from local companies to compare prices. If you buy locally, you will know where you can find the seller. 
• Consumers have a three day right to cancel on door-to-door sales contracts. 
• Sellers must provide the consumer with a copy of the contract or receipt at the time of the sale. This receipt must show the date of the sale, the name and address of the merchant, and a statement to the buyer of his or her right to cancel the contact within three days. After proper cancellation, the seller has 10 days to refund your money. 
• Remember that a legitimate offer does not require you to have the work done immediately. Do not get pressured into a sale. 
• Ask to see their current South Dakota tax license. State law requires all persons selling products or services to have a current South Dakota sales or contractors’ excise tax license.

Contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Office at 1-800-300-1986 or consumerhelp@state.sd.us with questions or concerns about transient contractors prior to having such work done. To verify if the sales tax license is valid, call the South Dakota Department of Revenue and Regulation’s toll-free helpline at 1-800-829-9188. 

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