By: Ben Mook

State officials are cautioning homeowners to be on the lookout for bogus driveway repavers.

The Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation says it has been receiving an increasing number of complaints about unlicensed, traveling contractors. The usual M.O. is to offer bargain basement prices to seal or coat driveways with asphalt.

The driveway is then covered with oil mixed with water, or maybe even just a coating of black paint. Regardless, the “new” driveway generally washes away with the next rain or just quickly crumbles.

“Before hiring or paying anyone, a homeowner should contact the Maryland Home Improvement Commission to check the license status of the individual and company,” DLLR Secretary Alexander M. Sanchez said.

According to the state, there are arrest warrants already issued against some of these fraudulent contractors.

A visit to the DLLR website can verify whether a contractor is licensed in the state.