Fraud involves unsolicited offers of repair work around the home, which is never completed, police say
Halton Regional Police say there’s a home repair fraud operating in the region and are issuing a warning to residents.
They describe at least one suspect in the alleged frauds as a “middle-aged white male with a heavy Irish accent”.
The frauds involve the supposed contractor travelling door-to-door selling services that are unsolicited by a consumer, police said in a news release.
Services include chimney repair, general masonry work, step and driveway repairs, general debris cleaning or roof repairs and waterproofing.
Police said the supposed salesperson may provide a quote with prices lower than market value and once a deal is reached, will request a large cash payment.
“Based on previous complaints, initial work may start, however the crew will not return to complete the agreed-upon job,” police said.
After this initial work, police said the consumer may be approached to provide more money for supplies or to complete payment for the project.
Once this additional or final payment is received, the contractor disappears and phone calls and text messages go unanswered, leaving the consumer with a damaged or partially completed project, police said.
There have been multiple complaints with this mode of operation and similar suspects in Halton. In recent weeks, the HRPS said it has seen a number of complaints in Burlington.
Police said they believe there may be additional victims in Halton, as well as outside the region.
A similar scam was investigated by the HRPS in the summer of 2022 as well as in July 2023.
The “contractor” or suspects that traditionally perpetrate these types of scams can be aggressive and eager to acquire an initial cash deposit from victims, police said.
A series of business cards, pamphlets, and printed contracts may also accompany door-to-door sales pitches.
Police offered the following protection tips and information to help local residents when hiring a contractor for their home:
- Get recommendations from people you trust
- If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is
- Do your research
- Don’t be pressured to make a quick decision
- Ensure the contractor is insured
- Get multiple written estimates
- Check references
- Be cautious of unsolicited offers via the phone, or door to door.
You should also put on paper:
- Work requested and agreed upon
- Dates – start, benchmarks, and finish
- Exact cost of the project
- Acquire a receipt
- Acquire a guarantee/warranty information.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Regional Fraud Unit at 905-465-8741.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.