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Police are warning about a home repair scam.

On May 13 a group of men showed up at a home in the Halifax area advising the homeowner their chimney needed repairs, showing what appeared to be a legitimate business card of a local company.

They offered to do the work but needed a deposit first and once they got the money, they did not come back to do the job. Similar incidents have been reported in Ontario and it’s being investigated on whether they are related.

Police are sharing tips to keep in mind when getting work done on your home or property:

• Be cautious if a home repair company shows up at your door without being solicited. Don’t be afraid to say ‘no thank you’ and close the door.
• Don’t be pressured into making a decision on the spot. Scammers try to create a sense of urgency so you will take immediate action and don’t have time to think the situation through.
• Check companies with the Better Business Bureau (https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/better-business-bureau-serving-the-atlantic-provinces) and/or ask for references from previous clients.
• Consider getting written quotes (not estimates) from at least two businesses.
• Be cautious of providing money up front for work, avoid paying large deposits in advance and arrange staged payments.
• Always agree upon the price, payment arrangements, job details and start/finish dates in writing before any work starts on your home.
• Only pay invoices once you can confirm the work has been carried out and don’t pay in full until the work has been completed as agreed upon.

Call police at 902-490-5016 if you’ve lost money or your identity has been compromised as the result of a scam. You can report a scam where you haven’t been a victim to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre by calling 1-888-495-8501.