A Pointe Claire couple is out $2,700 after paying to hire roofers who never showed up.
About a month ago, Gerald and Helen Foley were approached by a couple of men who looked to be in their 40s, they said.
The men told them they could fix the couple’s roof, which is in bad shape, for about $5,000.
The men were charming and seemed honest, so the couple signed the contract. The men claimed they needed a $2,700 deposit up front before they could get started, which the pair handed over.
Every few days, they received a call saying workers would show up in another few days, but they never did. The couple called the phone number on the contract to inquire about what was going on, but it turned out to be a fake number.
The couple did end up finding a roofer who is certified by the Regie du batiment du Quebec, and who said he will do the work for them and give them as big a discount as he can.
Both that roofer and Montreal police say this kind of scam happens often. Police advise those looking for contractors to make sure they’re RBQ-certified and that they have references.
Gerald Foley has his own warning for those looking to do some home renovation.
“Don’t be taken by people who just arrive with a special deal, no authenticity, legal or otherwise, no business card, no proof. Go with companies that are registered,” he said.
