Two men target Oakville, Milton, Burlington, Halton Hills adults in home repair fraud

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Published August 10, 2022 at 10:57 am

Halton Regional Police is issuing a warning to local residents about a home repair fraud believed to be operating in the region. PEXELS PHOTO

Oakville, Burlington, Milton and Halton Hills residents of are being warned by Halton Regional Police of two men going around offering home renovations only to take the money and not complete the job.

Police believe the men may be intentionally targeting adults in the region with the home repair fraud.

The suspects travel door-to-door selling renovation services that are unsolicited by the home owner.

They then provide quotes for the work at lower than market value and once a deal is struck ask the consumer to make a large cash payment.

Based on the complaints local police have received, the initial work may start, however it will be sup-par and/or incomplete.

After work on the residence has begun, the home owner 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 doing the work disappears leaving the residence damaged or the project partially completed. Phone calls and text messages to the contractor will go unanswered.

Police say there have been two complaints with this similar mode of operation and suspects in Halton. They also believe there may be additional victims in the Region as well as outside the local area.

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

The first suspect is between 25-35 years old, approximately five-foot-nine to six-feet tall with a heavy build and dark black hair.

The second suspect is also believed to be between 25-35 years old, approximately five-foot-nine to six-feet tall with a heavy build and short light blonde or light brown hair. This suspect was also wearing a mustache.

In both cases of fraud 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 at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through their website at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

Police are reminding residents that 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 their door-to-door sales pitches.

Consumer protection tips and information 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.
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