GUELPH – Residents are strongly encouraged to be cautious when dealing with anyone offering unsolicited renovation or repair work after an east-end homeowner had her driveway only partially replaced last week.
Friday morning, police were called after a homeowner reported suspicious males going door-to-door offering to repair or replace driveways.
Guelph Police and City of Guelph Bylaw officers located a crew of five men working on a driveway in the area. None of the men spoke English, but one explained through a translator they wait each morning at a Toronto coffee shop and contractors arrive in vehicles to offer cash for random jobs.
All five men said they have no training or experience doing driveways and none of them could identify what city they were currently in. The “bosses” were not on scene and the workers, believing they were not going to get paid, left the job unfinished.
A pickup – believed to belong to one of the bosses but registered to a New York rental company – was parked illegally and was towed by Bylaw.
Officers spoke to several residents in the area who identified the men going door-to-door as having strong Scottish or Irish accents, though one reported one of the males claimed to be from Newfoundland. They also reported they were misled into believing the men were representing the City of Guelph or an approved city contractor. One reported his driveway had been torn up and replaced, but a pile of rubble was left on the road in front of his house.
What can you do?
- Be suspicious of any unsolicited offers or claims from unknown individuals
- Obtain at least three quotes from reputable companies before entering a contract.
- Check online reviews, licenses and Better Business Bureau ratings before hiring any contractor. Also consider asking for references.
- Take your time to read and understand any contract before signing, and never feel pressured to make an immediate decision. Speak to family members or a trusted friend to see if they express any concerns.
- Consult with your insurance company about coverage and ensure the contractor is working in compliance with your policy.
Despite the high-pressure tactics used, most of these home repair or renovation projects are civil matters, especially if a contract is signed. If you believe you are a victim of fraud, please contact your local police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre for assistance.
