NEWS RELEASE
ORILLIA OPP
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The Orillia detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to create awareness of a potential scam affecting people in Orillia and the surrounding area.
The OPP have received numerous reports of contractors conducting business that contravenes the Ontario Consumer Protection Act.
There can be a fine line between criminal and civil issues relating to work carried out by contractors. Both civil and criminal incidents need to be reported to the appropriate authorities.
Regardless of whether the matter is civil or criminal, the Orillia OPP would like citizens to protect themselves. If you are about to start or are in the process of working with a contractor, please remember these tips:
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Get the particulars in a detailed and itemized contract;
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Keep down-payments to a minimum — 10 per cent is the recommended maximum;
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Never pay the full amount of the contract before the work is complete and, remember, legitimate home renovation companies have enough credit to buy the materials they need;
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Avoid cash deals as they are harder to trace if a criminal or civil proceeding is to commence at a later date;
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Soliciting door to door for contracting work should be approached with caution;
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Reputable companies comply with the law;
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A professional licence shows that a contractor is qualified to do the work you're hiring him/her to do — like plumbing or electrical.
Whether criminal or civil, these incidents need to be reported in order to recognize and stop them. For more tips/information on the Consumer Protection Act please visit www.opp.ca, www.ontario.ca or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or visit Crime Stoppers at www.crimestopperssdm.com or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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