Niagara Police are warning residents of driveway repair, and roofing scams as the weather warms up.
Police say there have been many scams for driveway repairs by fly-by-night or illegitimate companies across the Region.
The companies use high pressure sales and scare tactics to lure would be clients into agreeing to a contract.
The scammers then either do not complete the work, use subpar materials or pressure clients into further emergency” work, that is often not needed.
Recently, there have been reports of a similar scam in the roofing industry with companies that appear to be real coming door-to-door.
A price is quoted and a down payment is requested and made, but then the company claims more work is required so they need more money.
Police say residents feel pressure to comply because now their roof is off and/or covered with a tarp.
The Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) Central Fraud Unit recommends that homeowners who are looking for work to be done ask for a written quote.
That written quote should include:
An itemized list of materials to be used
The cost of the items
The estimated time of the project
The cost of labour for the time estimated
The name of the company and/or the company’s registered business number
Contact information for the company
The Central Fraud Unit then suggests that residents take that list and call around to two or three other companies to see how that compares to the original quote.
Police say not every company is out to scam people, but residents should know that agreeing to a contract could be binding, so having a few quotes before agreeing goes a long way to having peace of mind that the job is being done right and on time.
If you believe you have been the victim of fraudulent work, contact the Niagara Regional Police Service at 905-688-4111, to file a report.
Story and photo credit: Bonnie Heslop
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