(SOUTH BRUCE COUNTY, ON) – On March 31st, 2011 at 4:29 pm, the South Bruce OPP received a home renovation scam complaint from a resident of the Municipality of Brockton. On March 9th, 2011 at 3:30 pm, 2 men representing themselves as employees of Consumer Home Renovations, based in London, Ontario, knocked on the front door and persuaded the home owner to sign a renovations contract. In the time since the contract was signed, a sizeable charge was entered against the home owner’s credit card, but no work has been performed. The South Bruce OPP is offering the following information to help protect the residents of Southern Bruce County; Fly-by-night Home Repair or Maintenance fraudsters run amuck this time of year targeting victims, especially the elderly, selling products or services that are of little to no value to the client. They are often very pushy and rude and prey on those who are weak or living alone.
OPP SOLUTIONS TO PREVENT FRAUD
Always get at least 3 quotes on any project around the house regardless of the service or product being purchased / sold.
2. Never sign a contract without checking the credibility of the company or person selling the product or service.
3. Elderly persons or those with little business experience should never sign a contract without running it by a trusted family member, friend or neighbour.
4. Never fully open or unlock your door to anyone you don’t know. Talk through a locked or secured door if you don’t know their identity. If you don’t want them at your door tell them to “go awayâ€. If they don’t, call police.
5. Report suspicious persons or activity to police immediately.
There is no magic to preventing fraud. If something sounds too good to be true or seems a little “weird†it probably is. Trust your instincts, not the stranger at your door!