Niagara Regional Police issues warning about door to door driveway repair scams
Niagara Regional Police is warning residents about driveway repair scams.
As we move into spring, many homeowners are dealing with cracking, raised ports and salt damage, which may cause residents to consider repairing or replacing their driveway.
Police say driveway scammers typically go door to door, and offer quotes that appear to be lower than the competition.
Once a deal has been reached, the contractor will ask for a large cash down payment.
Initial work may start, however, the work will be sub-par and incomplete.
After the work starts, the consumer is asked to provide initial or full payment for the job.
Once the money is received, the "contractor" is usually never heard from again.
Police say the initial sales pitch usually includes business cards, pamphlets and basic printed contracts.
The companies also typically don't have an official presence online.
If you're considering hiring a contractor, Niagara Regional Police has the following tips:
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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