Police said the fraudsters get money up front for snow cleaning and you never see them again.
The weather is getting colder and police are warning residents of conmen trying to defraud homeowners in snow removal scams that target many seniors.
Toronto Police say the suspects use social media to advertise their snow removal service.
They then get citizens to pay in advance for the service and never return to remove the snow when it falls.
“Be wary of snow removal companies asking for full payment prior to any snow removal being done,” police warn. “Avoid impulse decisions to hire a snow removal company. Do your research either online, through references or word of mouth.”
And always select a reputable company and obtain a detailed written contract, officers said.
Do your research and find a reputable snow clearing company, officers warn.
Several people in the area last year lost between $200 and $400 each to a suspect running the ruse after the first blast of winter weather.
And the owners of a snow removal company several years ago were arrested and charged with nearly 70 fraud-related offences after several unsuspecting customers paid for services that were never delivered.
Beware of fraudsters who want money up front first before clearing your snow.
Police allege a company called Snow Easy Plowing advertised on promotional sites, such as Living Social and Groupon, snow-removal services at a deeply discounted rate.
Many people signed up for the service and, following the first big snowfall, customers did not receive the service they paid for, police said, adding no one showed up to do their walkways and driveways.
If you are a victim of fraud, report the incident to your local police at online reporting system www.tps.ca or to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s by phone at 1-888-495-8501.