SASKATOON — Members of Saskatoon Police Service's Economic Crime Section are alerting the public to a potentially fraudulent paving scam.
Recently, the SPS received a report of a citizen being approached in their yard by individuals claiming to represent a contracting business and offering to pave their driveway with asphalt or rubber for an immediate cash deal. The individuals claimed they would do the job at a below-market price as they would use leftover materials from another job. The citizen agreed and paid several thousand dollars for the work to be done; however, the material used was substandard and not what had been agreed upon. The citizen began to believe they’d been defrauded and contacted police after finding information online of similar scams reported by the Saskatchewan RCMP in recent months.
Saskatchewan-based door-to-door salespersons are required to be licensed under The Direct Sellers Act. Licenses can be confirmed on the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority’s website. Members of the public are advised to be cautious when approached with unsolicited offers. Always ask to see the direct sellers license number and check its validity prior to proceeding with a transaction. Protect yourself further by always being cautious of out-of-province door-to-door sellers as they do not require the same licensing as local sellers. Never hand over a blank cheque or pay a substantial down payment in advance of any services being provided and always get a written contract with clear expectations of the transaction. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Anyone who believes they may have experienced a similar interaction or transaction is encouraged to report it to the Saskatoon Police Service by calling 306-975-8300.
