As the holiday season ushers in a spirit of generosity and goodwill, Nanaimo RCMP are warning of a group of fraudulent individuals traversing Vancouver Island.
RCMP issued a stark warning to residents, urging vigilance against this group of scammers who are preying on homeowners in the guise of offering sham home and yard services.
A recent incident in south Nanaimo sparked the warning after a homeowner was approached by this group and solicited for their services.
Fortunately, the homeowner declined the dubious offer and promptly notified police.
“This group have already targeted the communities of West Shore, Sidney, and Victoria scamming home owners out of thousands of dollars,” said Const. Gary O’Brien of Nanaimo RCMP.
“In each case, they approach various residences and offer to complete roofing, gutter, driveway or paving services. For any work done payment is expected up front, the work is not completed and the service they provide is sub par at best.”
In the incident, police say a Caucasian man with an Irish accent was involved and previous reports have upwards of four men associated to the fraud.
The name sometimes used is Trade Right Paving Inc, which has garnered numerous 1-star reviews from a multitude of dissatisfied customers lodging complaints about fraudulent work.
Additionally, the fraudulent group operates under aliases such as All Roads Paving Inc. and Weatherproof Roofing & Masonry.
“Handy man frauds are not new and the standard ploy is to do shoddy work, demand money up front and not complete their work,” warned O’Brien.
Police advise that if you are approached by this group, refrain from accepting any offers for yard work or repairs and promptly report the contact to your nearest police jurisdiction.
Anyone with information on these fraudsters is asked to call Nanaimo RCMP at 250-754-2345.
