Mounties caution public regarding door to door home and maintenance service offers

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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Codiac Regional RCMP wants to advise the public to be cautious of offers from strangers to provide home or lawn maintenance services. The scam typically involves a demand for a cash payment prior to the work beginning.

It’s common at this time of year for homeowners to be approached for various services such as lawn care, home repairs, driveway sealing or paving, as well as interior or exterior painting. The service is typically offered through door-to-door solicitation. The homeowner is sometimes advised by the person at the door that damage or repair work was noticed and the repair work or service can be provided immediately. The service can be provided at what appears to be a reasonable price. A cash deposit is usually requested and sometimes there is a contract presented to be signed, but not in all instances. The person leaves with the cash but fails to return to carry out the work. In most cases, the victims are unable to find or contact the person offering the service.

“It’s usually around this time of year that we begin to hear complaints of this type of scam” says Cst. Damien Thériault, “It’s hoped that by reminding residents to be wary of these types of door-to-door solicitations now, we can prevent homeowners, especially seniors, from becoming victims.”

The RCMP would like to remind the public to be wary of purchasing cash-only services from companies with which they aren’t familiar. Before entering into an agreement or paying a deposit ask the vendor for references. Then take the time to call the references to confirm the type of service the company offers. A reputable company will have no difficulty in supplying a list of references.

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