A resident of Burford, Ontario, is out $5,000 after falling victim to a deceptive home repair scam, according to the Brant County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). The incident, which highlights a persistent threat to homeowners, particularly seniors, involved a company advertising as "24 Hrs Roofing and Masonry."
How the Scam Unfolded
The fraud began when the Burford resident responded to an advertisement for the roofing and masonry service. After making contact, the individual agreed to pay the company $5,000 for repair work. However, once the payment was made, the so-called contractors failed to deliver any services. The company became unresponsive, leaving the homeowner with a significant financial loss and no completed repairs.
Brant County OPP have not released the exact date of the incident but confirmed the investigation is ongoing. They used the case to issue a public warning about similar fraudulent schemes targeting homeowners.
Police Advice to Avoid Home Repair Fraud
In light of this scam, police are urging the public to exercise extreme caution when hiring contractors for home maintenance or emergency repairs. High-pressure sales tactics, demands for large upfront cash payments, and unsolicited door-to-door offers are major red flags.
The OPP recommends homeowners take several protective steps:
- Research the company thoroughly before any money changes hands. Check for online reviews, a verifiable physical business address, and a history of work in the community.
- Get multiple written estimates for the proposed job. A legitimate contractor will provide a detailed, written quote.
- Never pay the full amount upfront. A reasonable deposit is common, but payment schedules should be tied to completed stages of the work.
- Ask for references and actually follow up with them to ask about their experience.
- Be wary of contractors who only accept cash or who pressure you to make an immediate decision.
A Wider Problem of Consumer Protection
This incident in Burford is not isolated. Scams involving roofing, paving, and other urgent home repairs often surge after severe weather events or target communities where homeowners may be less familiar with local reputable businesses. Seniors are frequently singled out by fraudsters.
The Brant County OPP is asking anyone with information about this specific scam or the "24 Hrs Roofing and Masonry" advertisement to contact them. They also encourage other potential victims to come forward to aid the investigation.
Ultimately, this $5,000 loss serves as a stark reminder for all residents to verify the credentials of any service provider before committing funds. Taking the time for due diligence is the most effective defense against falling prey to costly and distressing repair scams.
