Police say they've received first of season
It's that time of the year when Niagara Regional police warn to beware of driveway scams, after receiving reports of the first for this summer.
As with past situations, police say an unknown man, with a distinct accent, approached a resident uninvited, offering a quote for driveway repair.
The homeowner wanted to discuss the price with family before deciding.
Police say the suspect later returned with equipment, and once the driveway was half torn up, indicated the crew would return an hour later after lunch.
That did not happen, and police were called.
About a week later, the crew returned and finished the work, offering a receipt showing the homeowner received 4 inches of asphalt and 6 inches of gravel. However, generally the amount of asphalt or gravel used is completely reduced or not used at all.
Police add attempts to reach the suspect by phone were not successful, a company website showed it existed, but no listed owner.
Consumer Protection Tips When Hiring a Home Contractor
- Get recommendations from people you trust.
- Prior to initiating work ensure the contractor is insured.
- Get multiple written estimates.
- If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
- Check references of past jobs.
- AVOID CASH DEALS
- Be leery of unsolicited offers via the phone, or door to door.
- Understand the scope of the work – If you hire a scammer and they do damage to City property, you could be held civilly responsible for its repair.
- Take pictures – Before, during and after. If suspicious, also consider photos of contractor vehicles and licence plates
Put it on Paper
- Work requested and agreed upon.
- Dates – Start and Finish.
- Exact cost of the project.
- Payment Schedule – 10% deposit at the start, final full amount upon satisfactory completion of agreed upon work.
- Demand a receipt.
- Demand guarantee / warranty information.
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