How Google Street View can expose Cowboy Driveway Companies

Save yourself heartache by researching your block paving company before handing over a single penny. Google maps is your friend for your detective work.

Dave

Oct 2, 2022 • 2 min read

Being at the brutal end of a driveway scam, I found myself to be locked into a knowledge fest. I wanted to find out as much information about the company as I possibly could, without risking my window being put through.

Google Maps exposed the company for what they were, and I wish I had done this before we engaged the firm to do the work.

Now, I am not a snob, nor do I believe that being a snob will help you in these situations. However, if your going to be spending a lot of money (or any money for that matter) on a new driveway / slabbing project, then looking at where your company trades from can really change your mind.

Please be aware though, a lot of cowboy driveway companies have (and still do) add their name to a closed industrial estate to block out Google cameras.. see picture below:

As the boundary of the Office Spaces was restricted,Google maps was unable to show what companies were there - These addresses require visiting prior to engaging.

Step by Step Instructions

So, here are the instructions on how to get a street view of the company your about to spend your thousands with.

Go to: https://maps.google.co.uk
Type in the postcode of the company
Zoom in and find the street the company says they are located at
Now, click and hold on the orange man icon and drag him to the road your wanting to view
Move and round using the onscreen pointers to find the address.

If you find anything like:

Images of abandoned houses / land — Abandoned Buildings at address provided by Cowboy Block Paving Companies

Then it might be worth finding out a little more before entering into the contract.

If you want to share any locations where these companies are hiding, then please send an email to: [email protected]