Home renovation fraud - Regional Police aware and looking for information.

By Staff

August 10th, 2022

BURLINGTON, ON

When there is a change in the way business is done the thieves in the world will find a way to exploit the change and take advantage of people who are not fully aware of the change.

Try hiring a trades person. They just aren’t available. What happens – Home Renovation Fraud takes place.

The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is issuing a warning to residents about a home repair fraud believed to be operating in the region.
Police believe these suspects may be intentionally targeting older adults.

The fraud involves contractors travelling door-to-door selling services that are unsolicited by a consumer. The suspect will provide quotes with prices lower than market value and once a deal is reached, will request a large cash payment. Based on complaints, initial work may start, however the work will be sub-par and/or incomplete.

After this initial work, 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 will go unanswered leaving the consumer with a damaged or partially completed project.

If in doubt DON’T And ask questions

There have been two complaints with this similar mode of operation and suspects in Halton. Police believe there may be additional victims in Halton, as well as outside of our region.

The suspects are described as two white males with Irish or possibly Scottish accents.

Suspect 1 is 25-35 years old, approximately 5’9” – 6’0” tall with a heavy build and dark black hair.

Suspect 2 is also 25-35 years old approximately 5’9” – 6’0” tall with a heavy build and short light blonde or light brown hair. This suspect was also wearing a moustache.

In both cases the suspects had a younger man with them claiming to be a son of one of the suspects.

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. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

The “contractor” or suspects that traditionally perpetrate these types of scams can be aggressive and eager to acquire an initial cash deposit from victims. A series of business cards, pamphlets, and printed contracts may also accompany door-to-door sales pitches.

The following consumer protection tips and information are being shared to help consumers 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.
Put it 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.