(PEMBROKE, ON) – The Upper Ottawa Valley of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have recently received a number of fraud and theft complaints from consumers who have been targeted by suspects using social media sites to offer services such as renovations, lawn care, yard work and odd jobs.
The OPP would like to encourage residents to be aware of a resource available to them from Consumer Protection Ontario www.ontario.ca/consumerprotection before they make important decisions like hiring a contractor or handyman to work on their home.
The Consumer Protection Ontario website also provides consumers with information on their rights when buying from a door to door salesperson and advice to avoid falling victim to shady or unethical contractors or salespeople.
When considering hiring a contractor for home renovations, Consumer Protection Ontario makes many recommendations including:
Ask for contact information for previous customers who have had similar work done on their homes
Request a written estimate and include the estimate as part of the contract
Ask if the contract sets out a resolution process for disputes
No more than a 10% down payment is recommended
Ask if any of the work will be subcontracted
In addition to their website, Consumer Protection Ontario may be reached by phone at 1-800-889-9768.
Remember…ask questions and choose carefully!
