Information Sheet
Fraud - The Contractor Method
Don't let yourself get trapped, be careful and say "no" to con artists.
- Le fraudeur agit généralement seul.
- Il sonne à votre porte pour vous offrir ses services en se présentant comme un entrepreneur en construction ou en simulant une urgence (dégât d'eau chez un voisin).
- Il vous demande alors de lui faire un dépôt de plusieurs milliers de dollars avant le début des travaux.
- Vous ne reverrez plus jamais le soi-disant entrepreneur, ni votre argent. Les travaux ne seront jamais effectués.
- The defrauder generally acts alone.
- The defrauder rings your doorbell to offer you his services, pretending to be a construction contractor or pretending there is an ongoing emergency (water damage at a neighbour's house).
- The defrauder asks you to give a deposit of several thousands of dollars before beginning the work.
- You will never see the so-called contractor - or your money - again. The work will never be done.
- If you are not interested, just say "no".
- Talk to someone you trust (family, friends, neighbours) before deciding wheter the work is necessary.
- Do not let yourself be persuaded by discounts or good bargains.
- If need be, have the work evaluated by different companies before choosing one.
- If you have to make a deposit, give as little as possible.
- Choose a company referred by people you trust.
- Check the reliability of the contractor with the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ).
If you are a victim of fraud or theft, or if you think you might be, immediately contact the following resources for help:
Service de police de la Ville de Montréal (SPVM) - 911
Elder Abuse Help Line: 1-888-489-2287
Tel-Aînés: 514-353-2463
Canadian Anti-Fraud Center: 1-888-495-8501
Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ): 514-873-0976 or 1-800-361-0761
