· Homeowners Are Often Not the Only Victims
Sometimes homeowners are not the only victims of fraudulent paving contractors.
Over the past few years, the East Region Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has responded to multiple reports of persistent, persuasive and sometimes aggressive indivi duals going door-to-door, or calling, offering to pave or repave driveways. Residents are left with poor quality or unfinished work.
One rarely recognized aspect of these disreputable companies is human trafficking.
Some of these companies have been found to be exploiting vulnerable worker populations such as unauthorized migrant labourers. These individuals may be poorly paid and be exposed to poor working and living conditions. They are afraid to speak up due to fear of reprisals.
Here are some considerations when dealing with paving or other contractors.:
Does the company have an official online presence, registration with local chambers of commerce, the Better Business Bureau or similar reputable organizations and do they have legitimate references?
Don’t be pressured into signing a contract or agreeing to unsolicited work.
Exercise caution when opening your door to unexpected visitors offering items or services.
Don’t be fooled by flashy flyers or websites.
Be cautious if a contractor shows up at your door saying they have “leftover” materials from another job.
If there’s no written contract with an up-front quote, and the price changes mid-job due to “unforeseen problems,” you’re at their mercy.
Fraudsters typically target more vulnerable people, including seniors, and reque st cash payments for “today only” deals.
It’s a red flag when a payment is asked for up-front or before the job is completed.
If an offer seems too good to be true, chances are it is, and someone is trying to scam you out of your money. If you believe you have been the victim of a fraud, or suspect workers may be the victims of human trafficking or abuse, call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or contact your local police service.
For additional information on ongoing scams in Canada and to report fraud, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre website.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
