SCAM ALERT – Driveway Repair / Replacement Scams

As we move into spring many homeowners are faced with the impact of what Niagara winters can have on their driveway.  Cracking, raised portions and salt damage may cause a homeowner to consider driveway repair or replacement. 

Driveway scammers are often unsolicited and will target unsuspecting homeowners with the practice of over promising, under quoting and unfortunately underdelivering.   

Driveway scammers often travel from door to door selling driveway paving and / or resurfacing services. In many of the cases the contractor will provide quotes for services that appear to be better than competitive prices. Once a deal is struck the contractor will request a large cash down payment. Initial work may start quickly on the project; however, the work will be sub-par and incomplete.  After the initial work is done, the consumer is often approached to provide initial or full payment for the project. Once a payment is received the "contractor" is usually never heard from again, phone calls will go unanswered thus leaving the consumer with driveway damage or a partially completed project.

Victims have detailed very aggressive and pushy contractors, eager to acquire the initial cash deposit from the consumer. Often a series of business cards, pamphlets and basic printed contracts accompany the door-to-door sales pitch. Central to the sales pitch is the anonymity of the contractor, workers and company.  Research later on the various companies yield a lack of any official presence online, any registration with local Chambers of Commerce, Better Business Bureau or otherwise. In many cases the phone number(s) initially provided to the consumer by the contractor may be answered for a short period of time to shore up the deal, afterwards the phone number is disconnected or goes unanswered, this is often the consumer's only link to the contractor.

The Niagara Regional Police Service provides the following information to consumers to assist them when considering hiring a contractor for their home.

Consumer Protection Tips When Hiring a Home Contractor

• Get recommendations from people you trust.
• Prior to initiating work ensure the contractor is insured.
• Get multiple written estimates.
• If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
• Check references of past jobs.
• AVOID CASH DEALS
• Be leery of unsolicited offers via the phone, or door to door.
• Understand the scope of the work – If you hire a scammer and they do damage to City property, you could be held civilly responsible for its repair.
• Take pictures – Before, during and after.  If suspicious, also consider photos of contractor vehicles and licence plates

Put it on Paper

• Work requested and agreed upon.
• Dates – Start and Finish.
• Exact cost of the project.
• Payment Schedule – 10% deposit at the start, final full amount upon satisfactory completion of agreed upon work.
• Demand a receipt.
• Demand guarantee / warranty information.

For further Information please reference:

Consumer Protection Ontario

Canadian Anti-Fraud Center