July Alert
Home Improvement Scams
Home improvement scams are on the rise across Saskatchewan. This type of fraud seems to surge during the spring and summer months and is a deceptive practice where fraudulent contractors will take advantage of homeowners by using high-pressure tactics, demanding upfront cash payments, and then disappearing after performing substandard or incomplete work. Please follow these tips on how to protect yourself.
What to watch for:
- Unsolicited Offers
Note that legitimate contractors rarely go door-to-door offering steep, “limited time” cash discounts.
- Cash Only Demands
Be highly suspicious if you are asked to pay with cash upfront.
- Pressure to act immediately
Scammers will state that you must act now to prevent a supposed problem from getting worse.
- High-Pressure Tactics
If anyone is trying to use fear to force an immediate signature or payment, such as stating that your house will collapse without an emergency repair, walk away.
- Unmarked Vehicles & Out of Province Plates
Scammers often travel from town to town in unmarked, leased, or out of province vehicles to avoid being traced to a botched job.
- No Written Contract
Watch for vague estimates or anyone refusing to provide a detailed, signed written contract before work begins.
How can I protect myself?
- Verify Credentials
Only hire licensed, bonded, and insured contractors. Check such things as their business registration number, credentials, references, and reviews.
- Never share sensitive information
A legitimate bank or credit union will never ask for personal information such as your PIN, online banking password, one-time passcode, etc. No matter how convincing the message or caller, do not provide this information.
- Get Multiple Quotes
Collect several written estimates to get a realistic sense of what a project should cost.
- Never Pay in Full Upfront
Legitimate contractors rarely ask for the full balance before work starts. A standard down payment would range from 10-20%.
- Use Secure Payments
Pay with a cheque or a credit card, which creates a paper trail and offers purchase protection, rather than cash or e-transfers.
- Ask Questions and Think it Over
Don’t be shy about asking questions and never commit to a project on the spot. Think about it and consult with trusted friends and family before deciding.
- Demand a Written Contract
Ensure every detail of your project, including timelines, costs, warranties, and the company’s contact information is outlined in writing.
Fraud
Recognize it. Report it. Stop it.
If you suspect your account has been compromised, please report it to us immediately. This will allow us to take appropriate steps to help prevent fraud. Individuals impacted by fraud should also contact local police and file a report about the fraud.
In addition, impacted individuals should contact Canada’s credit reporting agencies – Equifax and TransUnion - and have a fraud alert put on their credit file. This could help prevent someone else from taking out a loan or credit card in your name.
The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre also has a website which lists the most recent scams, and is full of tips to identify, prevent, and report all types of fraud.