The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) wants you to know about recent renovation fraud cases.
Suspects are going door-to-door asking residents if they need contractor work done. Residents have expressed concerns about these cases and the HRPS have answered some questions for the latest edition of ‘Ask a Cop’.
Media Relations Officer and HRPS Constable Ryan Anderson says these suspects offer cheap rates before demanding cash up front.
The suspects are described as two white males with Irish or possibly Scottish accents.
- Suspect 1 is 25-35 years old, approximately 5’9” – 6’0” tall with a heavy build and dark black hair.
- Suspect 2 is also 25-35 years old approximately 5’9” – 6’0” tall with a heavy build and short light blonde or light brown hair. This suspect was also wearing a mustache.
In both cases the suspects had a younger man with them claiming to be a son of one of the suspects.
Constable Anderson says they can be pretty convincing.
He hopes residents can follow a list of tips to avoid becoming the next victims:
- Get recommendations from people you trust.
- If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
- Do your research.
- Don’t be pressured to make a quick decision.
- Ensure the contractor is insured.
- Get multiple written estimates.
- Check references.
- Be cautious of unsolicited offers via the phone, or door to door.
- Put it on Paper
- Work requested and agreed upon.
- Dates – Start, benchmarks, and finish.
- Exact Cost of the project.
- Acquire a receipt.
- Acquire a guarantee / warranty information.
Constable Anderson says that depending on the value of the offence, the suspects could be facing either Fraud Under $5000 or Fraud Over $5000. He couldn’t answer what sentencing could look like if the suspects were caught.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Regional Fraud Unit at 905-465-8741.
Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
