Attorney General's News Release

March 16, 2001

Nixon sues teenage driveway-repair scam artist

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today filed suit against a Carthage teenager who defrauded at least two Polk County residents as part of a driveway-repair scam.

The lawsuit, filed in Polk County Circuit Court, alleges that William A. Cooper (DOB 11/17/82), doing business as Cooper's Construction, violated Missouri's consumer protection laws by making false guarantees when offering his driveway-repair service. He misrepresented to customers that he would put down weed killer to remove the grass on the site, lay down asphalt resulting in a surface at least two and one-fourth inches deep, and misrepresented that his work was guaranteed for one year and that he would return to repair any problems.

When Cooper finished the jobs — which on average cost the consumers $2,300 — he had not put down weed killer, the asphalt was not two inches thick, and the curbing he installed began to crumble within a few days. Cooper did not return to make repairs when the displeased consumers contacted him.

The lawsuit seeks total restitution from those consumers defrauded and a civil penalty of $1,000 for each violation of Missouri law.

Nixon said successful driveway-repair scams depend on the ability of con artists to "hit and run," noting that most of these con artists travel from town to town offering low estimates and making false guarantees of their work. Nixon said there are several steps consumers can take to avoid becoming a victim of a driveway repair scam:

• Be wary of someone who solicits you to do the repair work. Con artists often will tell homeowners that they have leftover asphalt from another job and offer to repave their driveways.
• Always get at least two written estimates from local businesses before authorizing any work, and ask for the names of references and call them.
• If you encounter someone you suspect is trying to defraud you, tell them no, close the door, and call your local sheriff or police department immediately.

Consumers who want to file a complaint about driveway repair scams or other fraud should call the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818