Home Renovation Frauds (Roofing/Paving/Fencing)
Date: Thursday, Oct 05, 2023
Unit: Financial Crimes
Phone: 4168087300
Case #: N/A
The Toronto Police Service is alerting the public about home renovation frauds occurring across the city. These frauds are pervasive; however, there has been a recent surge in reports likely due the unseasonably warm weather.
Suspects typically solicit door to door, handing out flyers for fraudulent or non-existent companies offering services for roofing, paving and fencing.
The work is usually never completed or is substandard and done with poor quality products.
Suspects often target elderly and vulnerable citizens using high-pressure tactics to commence work immediately. They usually demand payment in the form of cash or bank draft.
PREVENTION
- Be wary of unsolicited contractors going door to door, especially those using pressure tactics and demanding payment in cash/bank draft or demanding a large down payment
- Avoid impulse decisions to hire a contractor. Do your research (online, references, word of mouth)
- Select a reputable company and obtain a detailed written contract
- There is no obligation to speak to a salesperson soliciting at your door
- Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is
- Learn more at www.tps.ca/fraud
REPORTING
If you are a victim of fraud, report the incident to your local police (In Toronto: www.tps.ca/report) and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.
Members of the public can also find further information or file a complaint with our partners at The Ontario Ministry of Public And Business Service Delivery (MPBSD) and Competition Bureau Canada.
Consumers can learn more at about the Consumer Protection Act, 2002 at: www.ontario.ca/page/consumer-protection-ontario or by calling the Ministry at 416-326-8800 or toll-free at 1-800-889-9768.
Consumers can file a complaint at: www.ontario.ca/page/filing-consumer-complaint
Complaints of false or misleading claims promoting products or services in Canada can be reported to theCompetition Bureau
These agencies and the Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes Unit are members of the Toronto Strategic Partnership, a multi-agency alliance formed to combat mass marketing crimes.
The Toronto Strategic Partnership members are, the Toronto Police Service, RCMP, OPP, Competition Bureau Canada, Ontario Ministry of Public and Business Delivery, Ontario Ministry of Finance, Canada Post Security and Investigation Services, US Postal Inspection Service and the US Federal Trade Commission
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.
Check out our podcast, 24 Shades of Blue with Obie & Ax.
Constable Laura Brabant for Staff Sergeant Anthony Coscarella
No comments:
Post a Comment