They say asphalt can smooth things over—but in this case, it paved the way for fraud.
A 56-year-old West Virginia man, Brian Taulton, has been arrested after allegedly scamming North Carolina residents out of more than $90,000 through fake driveway repair jobs and by posing as a Duke Energy employee. Prosecutors say he also attempted to swindle an additional $38,600, bringing the total scheme to well over $110,000.
Here’s how the con worked:
Taulton reportedly knocked on doors claiming he had leftover asphalt from a nearby project. He’d promise quick and affordable driveway repairs, only to deliver substandard work—or none at all. In some cases, he even impersonated utility workers to gain trust. Victims were pressured into paying thousands upfront, with some losing their entire savings.
The primary targets were elderly and disabled residents, people more likely to be trusting or less able to push back against high-pressure tactics. In one case, a couple was swindled out of $16,800; in another, a woman paid nearly $20,000 after Taulton claimed to be with the city. Victim Katherine Pilkinton described the scheme bluntly: “They come from other states and prey on elderly people. That’s what they do.”
Why should you care?
Because these scams are more common than they seem. Beyond the immediate financial loss, victims often deal with emotional distress, broken trust, and long-term insecurity about answering the door or trusting service providers. And as this case shows, fraudsters rarely stop at one victim—they move quickly from one household to the next.
Here’s how to protect yourself and loved ones from falling for similar scams:
- Verify before you pay: Ask for business licenses, official IDs, and written contracts. Legitimate contractors won’t pressure you for immediate payment.
- Check reviews and references: Look up the business online or ask neighbors before agreeing to work.
- Be wary of “leftover materials” offers: Scammers often use this excuse to create urgency.
- Protect elderly relatives: Talk with them regularly about potential scams and encourage them to call you before agreeing to services.
- Report suspicious behavior: If someone pressures you at your door, contact local authorities immediately.
Quick Tip: Did you know many “traveling contractor scams” spike in warmer months when outdoor projects are common? Timing is part of their strategy.
Pro Tip: Always get at least three written estimates for home repair work. It not only keeps costs competitive but also filters out shady operators.
Stay safe, stay informed.
Keyword Definitions
- False Pretense: A legal term for obtaining money or property by lying or misleading someone.
- Exploitation of Elderly/Disabled: Crimes that specifically target vulnerable individuals due to age or disability.
- Extradition: The process of sending a suspect to another state or country to face criminal charges.
- Traveling Contractor Scam: A common scam where fraudsters pose as contractors, perform subpar work, and demand inflated payments.
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