A group of at least four men, trading under different fake business names, are targetting Island homes including at least one in Nanaimo. (Dreamstime)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

aggressive tactics

Police warn of ‘notorious’ yard-work fraudsters potentially in Nanaimo

Dec 21, 2023 | 9:42 AM

NANAIMO — Mounties across southern and central Vancouver Island are tracking a group of fraudsters who have conned thousands of dollars from people so far.

Police say a group of four individuals have swindled several people by going door to door, offering to provide yard or house repair work. The end results are sub-par with the group aggressively pursuing payment.

Nanaimo RCMP Reserve Cst. Gary O’Brien said while they have mainly been operating on the south Island, a Nanaimo home was targeted on Dec. 15.

“This person declined the offer but felt suspicious enough to contact us and sure enough it’s linked to a group of four individuals who are quite notorious and they’ve ripped people off for thousands of dollars all through Westshore, Sidney and Victoria.”

The group takes several steps to appear legitimate, including printing business cards with a company name.

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Names they’ve used in the past and have business cards printed for include Trade Right Paving Inc., All Roads Paving Inc., and Weatherproof Roofing and Masonry.

“They do a cold knock on the door they say they’ll work on your gutters, do some yardwork. Sometimes they’ve actually advanced it and done what appears to be pro-bono work then they demand payment for that as well because they’re quite aggressive. These are the tactics they’re using.”

A sample of a business card left by the group offering ultimately bogus lawn and home maintenance services. (Nanaimo RCMP)

It’s believed upwards of four men are in the group.

O’Brien said there is an active investigation across multiple Island districts, and the men are believed to be well known to police.

He said if anyone is approached at home by a group matching the description, potentially driving a white vehicle, to not accept any work.

“There will be some pressure tactics used so be aware. If you’re not comfortable, have somebody come to your house, have a neighbour come over but certainly don’t enter into any agreement with them and call us.”

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has a list of active and prolific frauds currently circulating available on their website.

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