S.D. AG issues warning about paving, roofing scams

PIERRE, S.D. (Legal Newsline) - South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley warned South Dakota consumers Friday about transient roofing and paving scams that are targeting state residents.

Jackley's Consumer Protection Division and local law enforcement throughout South Dakota received multiple complaints about out-of-state transient businesses traveling door-to-door to sell paving and roofing services. The transients promise low estimates because of left over materials from a finished project nearby or needing to keep crews busy between jobs.

Business owners and consumers are complaining about poor quality work at exaggerated prices, typically double or triple the original price quote.

"Every single year our Consumer Protection Division receives numerous complaints against transient contractors," Jackley said. "Their main goal is to trick consumers into making hasty decisions in purchasing an inferior product, generally at an inflated price. Catching the consumer or business off guard is their most effective tactic."

In the state of South Dakota, consumers are entitled to a three-day right to cancel, which should be included on the receipt of contract. Sellers are required to provide consumers with a copy of the contract or receipt at the time of sale. The receipt must include the statement about right to cancel, the name and address of the merchant and the date of the sale. Following proper cancellation, sellers have 10 days to refund money to consumers.

South Dakota law also requires that all individuals selling products or services have a current state sales or contractors' excise tax license.