Chatham-Kent Police advise regarding the home repair scams

Sooner or later every home needs repairs or improvements.  Although some home improvement companies do good work, some do not.  All legitimate contractors are licensed.  Fraudulent companies only want to take your money, not repair your home.  Home improvement scams usually start with a telephone call or someone knocking at your door offering to ‘help’ you with home repairs.  Fraudulent companies demand partial or complete payment in advance, followed by poor work or no work at all.

 

With summer upon us, the Chatham-Kent Police Service would like to offer some tips to prevent homeowners from being the victim of a ‘Home Repair Scam’:

 

Be cautious if:

o   they tell you that you need to make the repairs immediately

o   they talk to fast and pressure you to sign a contract

o   they tell you they are doing work in the area and have left over materials

o   they tell you something that sounds too good to be true

 

–       Be prepared by:

o   deciding first what repairs are necessary and how much you can afford to spend

o   talk to friends and family to get names of reputable contractors

o   get at least two estimates

o   check with the city licensing department or Better Business Bureau to ensure that you are dealing with a reputable contractor

o   do not pay for repairs in advance

 

Fraudulent companies often see the elderly as easy targets for this type of crime, but we should all take action to educate ourselves in the best methods to prevent frauds and scams.

 

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