Police warn of masonry and chimney contractor scam

CITYnews halifax / By Rachel Morgan

At least four homeowners have fallen victim to suspected fraud in Halifax.

Between Jan. 5 and Jan. 10, RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment and Halifax Regional Police (HRP) responded to four reports of fraud where a group of men were canvassing door-to-door offering homeowners chimney repair services.

Through an initial investigation, police learned the homeowners paid an agreed amount to the men allegedly representing a false masonry company. Once demolition occurred, police say the men requested a greater sum of money to complete the work. In each of the four instances, the work was never completed.

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“At this time, the information gathered indicates that the masonry company is fictitious and that victims were referred to a very convincing construction website, leading them to believe the company is real,” RCMP said in a press release.

In each incident, there was a group of at least four men.

HRP are now warning other homeowners in the area to keep an eye out for potential scammers.

The investigation, led by the RCMP/HRP Integrated Criminal Investigation Division, is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers.