BLOOMINGDALE, New Jersey (WABC) – A new scam in Bloomingdale, New Jersey, caught the attention of both local fraud officers and residents over the weekend. Patrick Connors, 33, was arrested for allegedly running a driveway paving scam under the guise of a fake company called Total Paving & Masonry.
On March 7, police responded to a report at a home on White Haven Place, where trucks displaying the company’s name were parked. The homeowner claimed that workers from the company had damaged his driveway and subsequently raised the service cost by thousands of dollars from the original quote. Investigators later confirmed that Total Paving & Masonry was operating without the necessary permits or approvals, and the business did not hold a valid license to operate in the state.
The homeowner, who wished to remain anonymous, explained to Eyewitness News that Connors’ truck was blocking a neighbor’s driveway, prompting them to call the police, which led to Connors’ arrest. The homeowner added that Connors and his team had been knocking on doors in the neighborhood, offering their services. Other residents reported that the trucks drove up and down the block, handing out business cards and offering group rates that some neighbors accepted.
Another resident of White Haven Lane recalled asking Connors for a permit. He claimed it was in his truck, but never produced it.
Connors faces several criminal charges, including consumer affairs violations. The vehicles used by his fake business, including their dump truck, were impounded by the police.
Bloomingdale authorities are urging residents to always request a permit if a contractor approaches them. If no permit is provided, residents are encouraged to immediately contact local law enforcement.
