Police are warning of scams involving paving or construction work against homeowners at this time of the year.
As the weather gets warmer police are warning homeowners to beware of scammers involved in paving and construction frauds.
The OPP said they are aware of a crime trend involving conmen trying to defraud homeowners seeking paving or construction work as the weather gets milder.
“Every year thousands of Canadians are victimized, and millions of dollars are lost through many forms of fraud,” an OPP release said.
To avoid becoming a victim, the OPP are reminding residents to be alert to repair deals as fraudsters are persistent, persuasive, and can be very aggressive.
The OPP are warning homeowners to carefully check out the so-called contractors and it is red-flag if they ask for cash up front or before the job is complete.
Police are warning homeowners to be wary of so-called ‘contractors’ who do not have an official online presence, registration with local chambers of commerce, the Better Business Bureau or similar reputable organizations.
The OPP said fraudsters often contact individuals directly at their homes or by telephone, employing persuasive tactics about the necessity for a service they neither requested nor require.
“Exercise caution when opening your door to unexpected visitors or solicitors offering items or services,” officers warn.
Police said to be wary of so-called contractors who call by phone, appear at your door or claim they are working in the area and have materials left over.
They said fraudsters employ professionally designed flyers and websites that have a legitimate appearance.
And most contractors will know how much material they need for a job, so if they show up at your door saying they have “leftover” from another job, be cautious.
“It’s a red flag when a payment is asked for up-front or before the job is complete,” police say.
Detectives said if there’s no written contract with an up-front quote, and the price changes mid-job due to “unforeseen problems,” you’re at their mercy.
Fraudsters target vulnerable people, including seniors, and request cash payments for “today only” deals.
The OPP said if you receive a fraudulent call, text, or email, or if you’ve been a victim of a fraud or want to learn more information, you can contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by calling 1-888-495-8501 or visit www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca