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Homeowners in Burlington are being warned by the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) about an increase in home repair scams involving unsolicited roofing and driveway contractors.
Investigators have received several reports of individuals going door-to-door offering repair services while using high-pressure sales tactics to convince residents that urgent work is needed. In many cases, the suspects claim they have leftover materials from nearby jobs and offer limited-time deals.
According to investigators, victims are often pressured into making large upfront payments in cash or through electronic transfer for work that is incomplete, poorly done or never carried out at all. Police say some suspects have also falsely claimed to represent legitimate businesses or misrepresented their credentials.
The HRPS says residents should be cautious of contractors who insist repairs must be completed immediately, ask for full payment upfront, refuse to provide clear written contracts or cannot supply proof of insurance and references.
Police are encouraging homeowners to obtain multiple quotes from reputable contractors, research companies before agreeing to work, and avoid making rushed decisions about major repairs.
If you believe you have been targeted or victimized by this type of scam, report it to the Halton Regional Police Service immediately.
You can also report fraud to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or online through Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Police are actively investigating and asking residents to report individuals or vehicles canvassing neighbourhoods offering repair services that appear suspicious.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the 3 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2316.
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 Halton Crime Stoppers.
