4 people charged in Oakville home renovation scam

Four people are facing charges Thursday (June 6) in connection with a home renovation scam going on in Oakville and across Halton Region.

Halton Regional Police launched an investigation into the fraud after being called to an Oakville residence last Thursday (May 30) after the homeowner claimed they were defrauded out of a large amount of money by suspects who claimed they were working for a company called “Approved Roofing and Masonry.”

The men came to the victim’s home and offered a free chimney inspection and repair. After working out a price for the job, the workers then proceeded to repeatedly inflate and change the price with none of the work being completed.

A resident of the home would eventually call the police after they noticed new, extensive damage to the home after the free inspection.

Police would arrest the suspects at the residence. Two adult males and one male youth have been charged with fraud over $5,000.

All of the people charged are of no fixed address.

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Police want to remind local residents about ongoing home renovation frauds being committed within Halton Region.

The suspects will often attend neighbourhoods going door to door soliciting their services for various types of exterior home renovation work including roofing, chimney and driveway repair,” said Halton police. “After an agreed upon price, the costs quickly increase with little, or no work being completed. In some instances, it is suspected that the culprits may have caused damage to a home in order to offer the repair work.

“The suspects will typically request payments in cash and immediately.

The following consumer protection tips and information are being shared to help consumers when hiring a contractor for their home:

• Get recommendations from people you trust.
• Do your research.
• Don’t be pressured to make a quick decision.
• Ensure the contractor is insured.
• Get multiple written estimates.
• Check references.
• Be cautious of unsolicited offers via the phone, and especially door to door.

Obtain written contracts containing:

• Exact cost of the project.
• Acquire a guarantee / warranty information.
• Work requested and agreed upon.
• Dates (start, benchmarks, and finish).
• Acquire a receipt.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Halton police at 905-465-8741.

Information can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.