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Sham paving company solicited business in Passaic County suburb, authorities say

BLOOMINGDALE — Police are warning homeowners to be careful when dealing with contractors after they said a sham paving company went door-to-door to solicit business and ruined a resident's driveway. The phony company, called Total Paving & Masonry, handed out flyers that advertised 'quality service' and 'trained workers,' but police said it is not licensed to operate in New Jersey. Patrick Connors, 33, of the U.K., who purported to be the owner of Total Paving, was arrested and charged with multiple criminal offenses and consumer affairs violations, police said in a statement Saturday. Authorities also impounded company vehicles, including a dump truck and a skid-steer loader. Celebrations: Competing groups fight over right to hold Peruvian Independence Day parade in Clifton Police said they were alerted Friday when residents called to complain that the paving company's representatives sought clients without a solicitor's permit. That morning, officers were dispatched to White Haven Place on a report of a blocked driveway. Sgt. Sami Zeidan and Patrolman Thomas Dichio found multiple vehicles belonging to Total Paving, police said. The officers then consulted the state Division of Consumer Affairs to confirm that the business is unlicensed. They also spoke to at least one resident who was duped by the company. Total Paving significantly raised the price of its service by thousands of dollars from its initial offer, police said, and 'completely damaged' the victim's driveway. Chief Daniel Greenwood said residents should always ask to see borough-issued permits when approached by contractors. If they do not have them, call police immediately. But the state said there is an even easier way to prevent door-to-door scams: Do not answer unexpected knocks. 'Better to be rude than scammed!' the state advised in a public-service announcement. For more tips, visit the anti-fraud toolkit on the Consumer Affairs website at Philip DeVencentis is a local reporter for For unlimited access to the most important news in your community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. Email: devencentis@ This article originally appeared on Bloomingdale police warn residents about driveway paving scam