In recent years police have received multiple reports of people going door-to-door offering to pave or repave driveways, often using high-pressure tactics. Residents are then left with extremely poor or unfinished work.
But homeowners might not be the only victims of paving scams, say East Region OPP.
Behind some of these operations, lies a deeper issue: human trafficking.
“These are people who may be in the country without proper documentation — people who are afraid to speak up because they’re being treated very poorly in the workplace,” said East Region OPP spokesperson Bill Dickson.
He added that some companies may be housing workers in very poor conditions.
“People just don’t deserve to be treated the way they’re being treated,” Dickson said. “That’s something we don’t often think about when it comes to scams like these.”
Police urge homeowners to research contractors thoroughly, checking for an official online presence, business registration, and legitimate references.
“Make sure you do your homework,” Dickson adds.
“If they say ‘if you don’t make a decision right now, you can’t have this great deal. It’s just right now or else’ just say goodbye because that kind of high pressure tactic has no place.”
Anyone who suspects fraud, or believes workers may be victims of human trafficking or abuse, is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or reach out to their local police service.
***With files from Mary Milne
