While many of the problems caused by underground contractors result from their lack of training and professionalism, in other cases criminal fraud is involved.

Home repair and renovation fraud is an ongoing concern for police departments across Canada. Typically, fraudulent contractors prey on those who are the most trusting or naive-senior citizens. Door-to-door salespeople who offer a special price because they are "doing other work in the neighbourhood" should always be treated with some suspicion. Most provinces require such door-to-door sales people to be licensed and bonded.

While police are always on the lookout for fraudulent contractors, many of those who fall victim to these con-artists simply live with their financial losses. Even when charges are laid and a conviction obtained, there is little prospect for homeowners to recover their money. Following the advice provided on this website and in the Get it in Writing! pamphlet is your best protection against fraud.

Here are some government and police press releases dealing with the problem of contractor fraud:

Example One: An arrest warrant is issued for an Alberta contractor who bilked his customer out of $40,000. Click HERE to download.

Example Two: Another Alberta contractor is charged after failing to refund $26,000 in deposits collected from homeowners. Click HERE to download.

Example Three: Calgary police report on a homeowner being swindled out of $6,000 by a chimney repair company. Click HERE to download.

Example Four: Ontario Provincial Police warn seniors about home improvement scams in the province. Click HERE to download.