PUBLIC ADVISORY - Beware of Home Improvement Scams
Winnipeg, July 29, 2009 - The Winnipeg Police, Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) and the Manitoba Consumers’ Bureau advises home owners, especially those in the Winnipeg and surrounding areas that unlicensed, contractors are operating in the province, some of whom are unauthorized to work in Canada.
In recent weeks, the Winnipeg Police, CBSA and Consumers’ Bureau have been actively seeking to disrupt the operations of these "contractors" who have taken advantage of unsuspecting homeowners around Winnipeg. Recently, CBSA and the Winnipeg Police have arrested 1 foreign national for working in Canada without authorization. Two others are currently being sought. The Winnipeg Police Commercial Crime Unit also holds an
Arrest warrant for one other individual for charges stemming under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Acts.
Scam artists, known in enforcement circles as the "travellers" usually come through Manitoba this time of year, sometimes operating in rural communities. A typical sales pitch is that they are working in the neighbourhood and can offer a reduced rate on a particular job. The work may be of poor quality and the consumer ends up paying considerably more to fix the shoddy outcome.
Education, prevention and consumer awareness are the best ways to deal with unscrupulous contractors. Investigations after the fact may not have successful outcomes; these individuals typically stay in a community for only a short time, making it difficult for police to identify, locate and where evidence can be obtained, charge them. It is important for homeowners to know their rights and the protections t
• If approached by a door-to-door salesperson, ask to see their direct seller’s licence. If the salesperson cannot produce a valid license, write down the person’s name and the name and address of the company represented and contact the Consumers’ Bureau.
• Ask for and check references in order to verify the quality of a contractor’s work.
• Get written quotes from at least three suppliers outlining the work to be done, materials to be supplied, labour specifications, total cost and cost breakdown, amount of deposit required and start and completion dates.
• Read the whole contract before signing and keep a copy of it. If something is unclear, consider contacting a lawyer for advice before signing the contract, especially if the cost of the contract is substantial.
The Manitoba Consumers’ Bureau investigates complaints about unlicensed direct sellers, high-pressure sales tactics, poor quality products and workmanship, contracts for unnecessary work and scams. If you need further information or advice, contact the Bureau at 945-3800 or toll-free at 1-800-782-0067
A copy of the Bureau’s brochure called “Home Improvements Sold by Direct Sellers” can be found on the Bureau’s website at http://www.gov.mb.ca/finance/cca/consumb/pdf/HomeImprovmts.pdf .
If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the Canada Border Services Agency's Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060.
If you feel that you have been a victim of activities addressed in this advisory or if you have information about individuals who may be responsible for such activities, you are encouraged to contact the Consumers’ Bureau, the Winnipeg Police Service or Crime Stoppers at 786-TIPS (8477).
Winnipeg, July 29, 2009 - The Winnipeg Police, Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA) and the Manitoba Consumers’ Bureau advises home owners, especially those in the Winnipeg and surrounding areas that unlicensed, contractors are operating in the province, some of whom are unauthorized to work in Canada.
In recent weeks, the Winnipeg Police, CBSA and Consumers’ Bureau have been actively seeking to disrupt the operations of these "contractors" who have taken advantage of unsuspecting homeowners around Winnipeg. Recently, CBSA and the Winnipeg Police have arrested 1 foreign national for working in Canada without authorization. Two others are currently being sought. The Winnipeg Police Commercial Crime Unit also holds an
Arrest warrant for one other individual for charges stemming under the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Acts.
Scam artists, known in enforcement circles as the "travellers" usually come through Manitoba this time of year, sometimes operating in rural communities. A typical sales pitch is that they are working in the neighbourhood and can offer a reduced rate on a particular job. The work may be of poor quality and the consumer ends up paying considerably more to fix the shoddy outcome.
Education, prevention and consumer awareness are the best ways to deal with unscrupulous contractors. Investigations after the fact may not have successful outcomes; these individuals typically stay in a community for only a short time, making it difficult for police to identify, locate and where evidence can be obtained, charge them. It is important for homeowners to know their rights and the protections t
• If approached by a door-to-door salesperson, ask to see their direct seller’s licence. If the salesperson cannot produce a valid license, write down the person’s name and the name and address of the company represented and contact the Consumers’ Bureau.
• Ask for and check references in order to verify the quality of a contractor’s work.
• Get written quotes from at least three suppliers outlining the work to be done, materials to be supplied, labour specifications, total cost and cost breakdown, amount of deposit required and start and completion dates.
• Read the whole contract before signing and keep a copy of it. If something is unclear, consider contacting a lawyer for advice before signing the contract, especially if the cost of the contract is substantial.
The Manitoba Consumers’ Bureau investigates complaints about unlicensed direct sellers, high-pressure sales tactics, poor quality products and workmanship, contracts for unnecessary work and scams. If you need further information or advice, contact the Bureau at 945-3800 or toll-free at 1-800-782-0067
A copy of the Bureau’s brochure called “Home Improvements Sold by Direct Sellers” can be found on the Bureau’s website at http://www.gov.mb.ca/finance/cca/consumb/pdf/HomeImprovmts.pdf .
If you have information about suspicious cross-border activity, please contact the Canada Border Services Agency's Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060.
If you feel that you have been a victim of activities addressed in this advisory or if you have information about individuals who may be responsible for such activities, you are encouraged to contact the Consumers’ Bureau, the Winnipeg Police Service or Crime Stoppers at 786-TIPS (8477).
