Halifax police warn public of home repair scam

By CityNews Halifax Staff

Regional police are warning residents of a home repair scam that’s been reported in HRM.

On May 13, a group of men knocked on the door of a home and told the homeowner their chimney needed to be repaired.

Police say the group represented themselves as being from a local company who was working in the area and provided what appeared to be a legitimate business card.

They then offered to do the work but told the homeowner they first required a deposit for materials and when they received a deposit, they never completed the job.

Police later discovered the men did not work for that company.

Through the course of HRP’s investigation, they found out a similar scam happened in Ontario.

As a the investigation continues, police are offering up some tips:

• Be cautious if a home repair company shows up at your door without being solicited. Don’t be afraid to say ‘no thank you’ and close the door.
• Don’t be pressured into making a decision on the spot. Scammers try to create a sense of urgency so you will take immediate action and don’t have time to think the situation through.
• Check companies with the Better Business Bureau and/or ask for references from previous clients.
• Consider getting written quotes (not estimates) from at least two businesses.
• Be cautious of providing money up front for work, avoid paying large deposits in advance and arrange staged payments.
• Always agree upon the price, payment arrangements, job details and start/finish dates in writing before any work starts on your home.
• Only pay invoices once you can confirm the work has been carried out and don’t pay in full until the work has been completed as agreed upon.

People are asked to contact police if they lost money or their identity has been compromised as the result of a scam.