The Thunder Bay Police Service is continuing to warn members of the public about door-to-door driveway paving and repair scams.
These types of incidents have been popping up across the province, including in Eastern Ontario. At least one recent report has been received locally.
Those involved in these schemes are persuasive and persistent, often do not have a valid work permit, have no permanent business address, and operate in a fly-by-night manner.
The victim often agrees to have work completed, with the suspects using poor quality products and doing an inadequate job. Once the work is completed, the victim will be unable to reach the suspect to remedy the shoddy work.
Here is a list of tips on how to protect yourself:
- Be wary of unsolicited contractors who knock on your door offering services, especially if they only accept cash or require a large down payment.
- Do not make on-the-spot decisions about hiring a contractor.
- Select a reputable company and do your research.
- Obtain a detailed, written contract.
- Consider shopping around and obtaining detailed estimates.
- Never feel pressured to commit on the spot and don’t provide full payment for work that has not begun.
- Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of cybercrime or fraud should report it to police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.