Police in the Central Okanagan have issued a warning about a door-to-door business that’s allegedly scamming area residents.
According to the RCMP, multiple people in Lake Country and neighbouring communities have been approached by a business where the suspect provides a quote at a reduced rate.
“The homeowner agrees to provide a portion of the money upfront,” said police. “The fraudster does not complete the job and goes on to another victim.”
Police say once a contract has been agreed upon, it often becomes a civil issue and may not be criminal.
“This leaves the home or business owner to take civil action against someone they don’t know and a company that truly doesn’t exist,” RCMP said.
“Please exercise caution when approached by anyone offering a service or product where money is exchanged before the contract is fulfilled.”
They added that uninvited businesses that operate door-to-door are required to provide contracts for their services and products and that those contracts are regulated by Consumer Protection BC.
The RCMP have more information about door-to-door business scams that’s available online.