Nanaimo RCMP are warning the public to be wary should unknown handymen come knocking on the door offering services for free or for hire.
According to an RCMP press release, a group of individuals police have dubbed “travelling fraudsters” have recently claimed victims on the south Island and could be working their way through Nanaimo offering home and yard services.
“It’s not a new scam,” said reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesperson. “The handyman scam has been around for many years, but I think what we’re seeing here is that they’re taking advantage of the temperate climate we have and the goodwill of people at this time of the year.”
This group has already targeted the communities of West Shore, Sidney, and Victoria, scamming home owners out of thousands of dollars. In those incidents, the fraudsters approach residents and offer roofing, gutter, driveway or paving services. Payment for the work is expected up front, but the work is not completed and what service is provided is sub-par.
Reports from other communities have indicated that up to four men are involved. In an incident in south Nanaimo on Dec. 15, a man with an Irish accent asked a homeowner to hire the company. The homeowner declined the offer and also reported the contact to police.
According to the Nanaimo RCMP release, the fraudsters operate under the names of two different paving companies and a roofing and masonry company.
“They’re a very organized group with a definite history all the way to the Lower Mainland,” O’Brien said. “They’re moving their way through various communities, so don’t be surprised if they show up at your door.”
O’Brien warns residents not to accept any work from them even if it’s offered for free.
“Do not allow them any free work on your property because they’ll get very aggressive and in your face and will demand payment for that … It’s not a situation you want to put yourself into,” he said. “Fortunately, we’ve only had one occurrence in Nanaimo and that person, astutely, called us. We wouldn’t be surprise if they’re still here or moving off to a community north of us.”
Anyone with information about the group is asked to call the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at 250-754-2345.