Home Seniors Zone Fraud - The Contractor Method

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Fraud - The Contractor Method

Don't let yourself get trapped, be careful and say "no" to con artists.

Defrauder's method

  • 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.

Preventions tips

  • 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).

Resources

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