AUBURN -- Auburn police are warning people about unsolicited driveway repairs.

On Tuesday, police were sent to Hamilton Avenue regarding a complaint of a group of men going door to door soliciting homeowners to repave their driveways.

The homeowners were told the men worked for a company who had unused blacktop product from a city-related paving project they had just completed. They then offered homeowners the chance to repave their driveways at a reduced rate.

When police arrived at one home, the men were preparing to do a job for the homeowner, but no product or equipment was onsite to do the work. Police also found the company was not contracted by the City of Auburn to perform any type of paving projects.

The men told police they worked for a company named "Lambert and Sons Excavating" out of Ovid, and that they were in the area trying to secure extra work. Police say they did not posses a peddling/soliciting permit to go door to door soliciting. The company also did not register with the city as a contractor.

The group was issued an immediate work stoppage order by the City of Auburn Code Enforcement Department. They were told all necessary permits and registrations with City officials were required prior

to soliciting and doing any business within the city. Charges were not filed against the individuals and they left the area immediately.

Auburn Police have several tips before you agree to any home improvement service:

- Anyone soliciting products/services within the City of Auburn must be registered and issued a permit by city officials. Ask to view this permit.
- Get at least three estimates from at least three different contractors. Check and verify all references supplied by the contractor. Shop around and get referrals from friends and family.
- Research to verify that the contractor is licensed in New York and/or locally. Contact your local Chamber of Commerce/Code Enforcement Office.
- Know the difference between proposals (estimated costs) and contracts (specified costs).
- Be sure the contract describes the services to be performed, lists the materials to be used and includes a starting and expected completion date.
- Ask for a written warranty or guarantee with your contract.
- Be cautious of companies that require advanced payments.
- Contact the Better Business Bureau to file a complaint for the non-delivery of services or check with them ahead of time to see if there were prior complaints
- Remember as a general rule of thumb: If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.