Police in Halton are warning residents about a home improvement scam believed to be targeting the elderly.
According to the Halton Regional Police Service, so-called contractors go door-to-door selling unsolicited services. They reportedly make offers that are below market value, and once a deal is reached, they demand a large cash payment.
“Based on complaints, initial work may begin, but work will be partial and/or incomplete,” police said in an Aug. 10 news release.
They said once the initial work is done, the suspects approach the homeowners to give them more money for supplies or to finish paying for the work. Once the extra money is received, the contractor disappears. Phone calls and text messages go unanswered, leaving consumers with a damaged or partially completed project, police said, noting that a flurry of business cards, brochures and printed contracts can also accompany door-to-door sales.
Halton police have so far received two complaints of a similar modus operandi and suspects in the region.
In both cases, the suspects are described as two white males with Irish or possibly Scottish accents.
The first suspect is in his 30s and about 5ft 11 tall, with a stocky build and dark black hair, while the second is also in his 30s and about 18cm tall, with a stocky build and short light blonde or light brown hair and a moustache.
Police said there was also a younger man with them who claimed to be the son of one of the suspects.
Investigators said older people tend to be targeted for this scam.
They also believe there could be additional victims in Halton and other regions.
Halton Police advise residents considering hiring a contractor to get referrals from people they trust, to be wary of “too good to be true” deals, to do their research, not to be pressured into making a quick decision , make sure the contractor is insured, get multiple written estimates, check references and beware of unsolicited offers.
People should also get any agreements in writing about the work, the start date, the metrics, when the project will be done and the exact cost of the work, they said.
In addition, users are encouraged to obtain a receipt as well as warranty or warranty information.
Anyone with information should contact the Halton Police Regional Fraud Unit at 905-465-8741 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
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