The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) says scammers are targeting some in the province, notably in the east region, with door-to-door driveway paving and repaired related scams.
Acting Sgt. Eric Cranton, East Region Media Coordinator, says the fraudsters have been popping up again recently despite rules banning specific types of door-to-door sales in Ontario.
“Many of the individuals involved in these scams are working without a work permit, have no permanent business address, and operate in a fly-by-night manner,” explains Cranton. “Often the victim will agree to have work completed, with the suspects using poor quality products. Following the completed work, the victim will be unable to reach the company to repair the shoddy work that was done.”
To protect yourself, Cranton says to always be wary of unsolicited contractors who knock on your door, don’t make on-the-spot decisions about hiring a contractor, get a detailed, written contract, consider looking for other estimates, and never feel pressured to say yes on the spot or pay in full for yet-to-be-completed work.
Above all yes, Cranton says if it feels too good to be true, it probably is.
“The OPP is reminding people that there is no obligation to speak to a salesperson that attends your residence,” says Cranton.
If you believe you’ve been a victim of a scam, call your local police and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by calling 1-888-495-8501.
With files from Steve Berard