Toronto seniors are speaking out after a $5,000 driveway paving job was left unfinished, prompting a warning from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). The OPP issued an alert following complaints about individuals offering roofing repairs or driveway paving who perform substandard work.
Seniors Share Their Ordeal
One senior, who wished to remain anonymous, said, 'It's not what I expected at all.' The homeowner paid $5,000 upfront for a paving project that was never completed. The unfinished job left the driveway in a hazardous condition, causing stress and financial strain.
Pat Foran, a consumer reporter, highlighted the issue in a recent report. The OPP warns that these scammers often target vulnerable homeowners, especially seniors, by demanding large upfront payments and then disappearing or doing poor quality work.
How to Protect Yourself
Experts advise homeowners to be cautious when hiring contractors. Always get multiple quotes, check references, and never pay the full amount upfront. Use reputable companies and verify their credentials through the Better Business Bureau or local consumer protection agencies.
The OPP encourages anyone who has been a victim of such scams to report it to local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
