What started as a seemingly harmless knock on the door turned into one of the most shocking home-repair scams Albany has seen this year. An unsuspecting woman found herself targeted by a group posing as professional pavers — but the moment she realized something was wrong, she refused to be intimidated. What followed was a tense standoff, threats, and an unbelievable demand for $28,000.
The victim, who asked not to be named, says the men approached her home claiming they had “leftover asphalt” from another job in the neighborhood and could repave her driveway for a huge discount. It sounded convenient and harmless — after all, many homeowners have heard similar offers before. But this time, it was anything but harmless.
According to the woman, the crew began working before she even agreed to pay, pouring asphalt rapidly, using loud equipment, and insisting the work needed to be finished “immediately.” The woman, confused and overwhelmed, watched helplessly as the workers covered her driveway in uneven, unprofessional layers of material.
When she confronted them, everything escalated.
Suddenly, the friendly tone vanished. The men claimed she owed $28,000, threatening her when she refused. They insisted that if she didn’t pay on the spot, they’d “come back” — a statement that left her terrified. She told reporters she feared for her safety and immediately contacted authorities.
Experts say this type of scam is becoming increasingly common. These fraudulent paving crews travel from city to city, often posing as contractors with leftover materials, pressuring homeowners into fast decisions, then inflating prices to outrageous levels. They often rely on fear and intimidation to get paid.
But in this case, the victim refused to give in.
Authorities confirmed that she did not pay the scammers, and investigators are now working to identify the group involved. Officers say the men were operating heavy machinery illegally, and the asphalt job they left behind was poorly done and potentially dangerous.
Photos from the scene show workers spreading asphalt across uneven ground, with equipment that appeared worn, old, and not suited for professional paving. One witness driving by said, “It looked like they were rushing. Nothing about it seemed legit.”
The victim said she’s now focused on warning others. “They tried to bully me into paying,” she said. “But I stood my ground. I want everyone to know these scammers are out here. They’ll ruin your driveway, your yard, and then demand thousands.”
Local officials are urging residents to be cautious about unsolicited offers for home repairs, especially ones that involve asphalt or driveway work. They recommend asking for written contracts, checking business licenses, and never allowing work to begin before an agreement is in place.
The story has spread quickly online, with thousands praising the woman for refusing to be intimidated, and others sharing their own experiences with similar traveling scams.
One thing is certain: her courage — and her refusal to hand over a single dollar — may have just helped protect countless others from falling into the same trap.
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