Why a contractor suddenly coming to your door may be cause for concern

A stock photo of someone ringing a doorbell. (Pexels/Kindel Media)

When a stranger comes to your door saying they’re a contractor and asking if you need any paving work done, be cautious.

That’s the advice from the Better Business Bureau, which warns a paving scam starts out just like that.

The BBB says during the scam, which has been “circulating across the province,” the self-proclaimed contractor will say they noticed your driveway or sidewalk needs work and will offer you a discount because they have some extra supplies.

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“If the price is agreeable, they will ask for a large percentage of the fee upfront,” the BBB warned. “There is some hesitancy if you ask questions about the price or details about the business and its location.”

Once the transaction is completed, the BBB says the phoney contractor may disappear, and the contact number or email they gave you may not work.

If not, and you can contact them, the BBB says the contractor’s work may be “shoddy and unprofessional.”

“Reaching the company the contractor allegedly represented is impossible, or another company was impersonated. In any of these scenarios, the chances of getting a refund or the work fixed are slim.”

The BBB says one consumer reported losing $5,000 on a paving scam.

To avoid being scammed by a fake contractor, the BBB offers this advice:

• Be wary of unsolicited offers. Most scams involving contractors begin when a random contractor goes out of their way to offer you an estimate that was never requested. Be extra cautious if the estimate is “discounted”;
• Research companies and contractors before you hire. Before you agree to hire a contractor and make payment, start with BBB.org. If the contractor has multiple negative reviews and complaints, don’t hire them. A simple internet search often reveals companies or individuals involved in fraudulent activities or provided unsatisfactory work to previous clients;
• Get everything in writing. Ask for an estimate in writing before payment is even discussed. Don’t let a contractor start working on a project until a written, signed contract outlining start and completion dates, a detailed description of the work, material costs, payment arrangements and warranty information is provided;
• Stagger payments. Most contractors will require a percentage of the total price upfront, but it should never be the full price before the work has begun. Instead, agree to stagger payments so that work can be inspected at various project stages; and,
• Use safe payment methods. Paying with a credit card provides peace of mind since the credit card company will help you if the company is fraudulent. If you use a cheque, write it to a company, not an individual. Paying cash or using an electronic wallet app is risky since there is no way to stop the payment or get some money back if anything goes wrong.