Driveway paving scam targets residents in Ontario, police warn
Published April 11, 2024 at 9:21 am
As summer approaches, police warn of a driveway paving scam in Ontario.
Homeowners often check their property for winter damage at this time of year and may fall prey to a common scam, OPP said in a press release.
Fraudsters often approach people at their home or on the phone. They offer cheap deals and can be persistent, persuasive and sometimes aggressive, police said.
The scammers can convince homeowners of the necessity for a contract or service they neither requested nor required.
Some fraudsters use professionally designed flyers and websites that have a legitimate appearance.
Police suggest people be wary of so-called contractors who show up at your door saying they have leftover material from another job. Professional contractors usually know how much material they need for a job.
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Fraudsters target vulnerable populations such as the elderly and request cash payments for “today only” deals.
Double-check contractor’s official online presence through registration with local chambers of commerce, the Better Business Bureau, or similar reputable organizations.
Also, people should note that if there’s no written contract with a quote written upfront and the price changes mid-job due to “unforeseen problems,” residents are at their mercy.
It’s also a red flag when a full payment is asked for up front before the job is completed.
If an offer seems too good to be true, chances are it is and it’s someone trying to scam you out of your money.
For additional information on ongoing scams in Canada and to report fraud, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
Lead photo: Sonny Sixteen
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