The Cobourg Police Service is warning residents about contractor fraud after a recent case where a local resident was scammed.
The victim reported being approached in March 2024 by an individual posing as a contractor offering renovation services. After paying a deposit, the contractor failed to complete the work and stopped responding to contact attempts.
Police advise residents to take precautions to avoid falling victim to similar scams. They recommend verifying contractors’ credentials by checking references and business licences, obtaining multiple quotes for comparison, and using written contracts that outline work details and payment schedules. Police also caution against making large upfront payments, suggesting that most payments be made upon project completion.
If you suspect fraud, trust your instincts and seek a second opinion before committing. Residents are encouraged to report incidents to the Cobourg Police or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.
The Anti-Fraud Centre website offers detailed information about common scams and how to protect yourself. For more details, visit antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca.
Cobourg Police continue to investigate this case and urge vigilance among residents to avoid falling prey to similar schemes.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)