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Man faces 23 charges in alleged handyman scam in Burlington, Oakville

Halton police are cautioning the public after laying nearly two dozen charges in an alleged handyman scam. Twitter/Halton Regional Police

Halton police have charged a Toronto man accused in a door-to-door handyman scam in Oakville and Burlington.

Last Monday, police arrested 54-year-old Elwood Bowler. Police say he’s now facing 23 counts of fraud — two over $5,000 — and was released with a court date pending.

Ten of those charges were laid in August following a 7-month-long investigation, police said.

READ MORE: Phone scammers spoofing numbers to fool people into thinking their loved ones are at risk

According to police, he offered to complete eavestrough repairs, tree cutting, roofing and other home maintenance, but allegedly didn’t start the work he was paid to do, and does not have a registered business or insurance coverage. Police said the accused targeted older adults.

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Halton police, who are cautioning the public about door-to-door sales, offered the following safety tips for homeowners:

  • Obtaining three quotes for a job with references
  • Do not pay the total balance for the job up front or in cash and take your time to research the companies you have working on your property.
  • The Consumer Protection Ontario website is available for anyone looking to research complaint reports on companies and individuals who may be trying to sell you a product or service you may not necessarily need at your door

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