The Ministry of Communications and Works has advised the public of an asphalt scam currently operating in the Virgin Islands. Photo: Internet Source

Asphalt recently being placed in Virgin Gorda. Photo: Facebook

The Ministry of Communications and Works, in a February 20, 2026, bulletin, said they are aware that persons are attempting to scam and or entrap individuals and corrupt the system. Photo: Facebook/Ministry of Communications and Works

In a February 20, 2026, advisory, the ministry encouraged persons to report anyone who offers to sell and or offer any 'in-kind' asphalt outside of the known suppliers.

Several reports and calls to our newsroom indicated that over the past four to five days, about four caucasian men with American accents were offering to give away asphalt around Tortola.

It is believed that they may have purchased the asphalt from a local supplier, then claimed to have excess asphalt, and were willing to give it away. The matter has raised suspicion among Ministry of Communications and Works officials, local law enforcement, and some local businesspersons.

Be aware of asphalt scammers

It is our understanding that one businesswoman was offered some asphalt recently by the unknown men via phone call. When she asked who they were working for, they gave two different names. When the persons were contacted, they denied even knowing the perpetrators.

While on one of the sites where the caucasian men were laying the asphalt themselves after they were unable to be truthful as to who they were working for, police were called, and the men fled the area in a rental car.  

When police arrived, they tried to make contact with the men via phone; however, the WhatsApp numbers that the men called the business person from seemed to no longer be working.

Other business persons and private residents have also come forward about being offered asphalt from these same men, who claimed to have ‘leftovers’ from a project.   

Call the police-MC&W  

In its bulletin on the matter, the Ministry of Communications and Works said that they are “aware that persons are attempting to scam and or entrap individuals and corrupt our systems”.

They noted that persons who may have been solicited with any such offers should report them to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF).

The Ministry of Communications and Works should be contacted at 1-284 468-2183 or the Public Works Department at 468 5902/494-2722 for verification or to report suspected illegal or unsafe asphalt sales.