Cops warn of attic-inspection scam
Fredericton police reports that fraudsters are going door-to-door targeting homeowners
The city police force says it’s been receiving reports as of late about an attic-inspection scam making the rounds in Fredericton, targeting homeowners.
“Individuals are going door-to-door, offering free attic inspections,” the Fredericton Police Force said in a release Tuesday.
“Once inside, they claim to find issues like mould or faulty insulation, show you photos as ‘proof’ and pressure you into agreeing to expensive repairs.”
The fraudsters offer to inspect attics for free, and upon “discovering” issues, they call in a bogus supervisor, who happens to be in the area, it said.
“Homeowners are pressured to sign up for costly repairs and asked for a cheque up front,” police reported.
The force advised people to never allow unsolicited contractors into their homes, not to be pressured to make payments or decisions at a moment’s notice, to ask for credentials, to verify with a service provider directly and to report such suspicious interactions to the Fredericton police right away.
Those with tips or who have been targeted by this scam are urged to call the Fredericton Police Force at 506-460-2300, or to report it online at on the City of Fredericton’s website.
Those wishing to provide information anonymously can do so through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the secure P3 Mobile App or visiting Secure Web Tips online at www.crimenb.ca.
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