Peel police warn of home renovation scam targeting elderly

Peel police have issued a warning about a home renovation scam that’s targeting elderly residents.

In a release Friday, police said people identifying themselves as contractors are going door-to-door offering too-good-to-be-true prices for home renovation work.

“The suspects provide quotes with prices lower than market value and once a deal is reached, typically request a large cash advance. The suspects may or may not start the job, but will ask for additional monies,” police explained.

But once more money is forked over, the suspects vanish. Phone calls and text messages go unanswered, and the victim is stuck either without any work being done, or with an incomplete project and damage to their home.

Police say this has happened several time in Peel Region recently with the suspects using various company names, including the names of legitimate businesses.

“Recent complaints state the suspects are male with predominantly Irish or possibly Scottish accents,” police added.

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Peel police are offering the following tips to avoid being victimized:

• Be cautious of unsolicited offers via the phone, or door to door.
• Don’t be pressured to make a quick decision and obtain more than one estimate.
• Get recommendations from people you trust and check multiple references.
• Do your research and check online reviews (for example, BBB.org)
• Ensure the contractor is insured and ask about their warranty.
• Draft a written contract clearly outlining the work that is requested and agreed upon.
• Establish a timeline with expected start dates, benchmarks, and anticipated finish dates.
• Establish an exact cost of the project.
• Request a receipt if one is not offered.