Nanaimo RCMP say reports of unlicensed scammers door-knocking to provide a range of services increases this time of year (Chris Young/The Canadian Press)

By Ian Holmes

scam season

Nanaimo RCMP warn about rise of door-to-door fraudsters

Mar 10, 2020 | 10:49 AM

NANAIMO — Local police are asking people to be wary of fake door-to-door sales people and trades workers.

Nanaimo RCMP Cst. Gary O’Brien said four complaints already lodged to police this month involve two men door knocking in the VIU area in an effort to install hot water tanks and air purification systems.

“It’s not a legitimate company, they’ve been issued several bylaw tickets,” O’Brien said. “We believe they’ve probably moved on now, but others will start up very quickly.”

March signals the start of spring cleaning, which O’Brien said leads to an annual uptick in fraudsters disguised as trades workers promising cheap labour. The most common scams are for various home improvement jobs like cleaning gutters, windows, carpets and re-sealing driveways

“They often target seniors or mature housing complexes,” O’Brien said. “They bully their way in and try to intimidate the owners and once they’re in, you’re kind of stuck.”

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O’Brien said these scams typically follow a similar pattern of fraudsters receiving payment up front in exchange for little or no work.

“They ask for half of the down payment up front and often they come around 10 a.m. and don’t come back after lunch and you’re out.”

He said never let door knocking solicitors into your home, ask to see a business license and seek out references and online reviews.

March is fraud prevention month in Canada.

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