June 13, 2025
Guelph Police are warning residents about door-to-door salespeople offering to do renovation or repair work.
One person living in the city’s east-end told officers his driveway had been torn up and replaced, but workers left a pile of rubble in the road in front of his house. Another had her driveway only partially replaced.
On Friday, one homeowner contacted police about “suspicious males” going from home to home to solicit work.
Police, along with members of Guelph Bylaw, then located five men working on a nearby driveway.
They said none of the men spoke English but, through a translator, explained that the workers wait every morning at a Toronto coffee shop for contractors, who drive up to the business and offer them cash for random jobs.
According to police, the men said they had no training or experience doing driveways.
Furthermore, they did not even know the city they were working in.
“The ‘bosses’ were not on scene and the workers, believing they were not going to get paid, left the job unfinished,” police said in a media release. “A pickup – believed to belong to one of the bosses but registered to a New York rental company – was parked illegally and was towed by bylaw.”
Residents told officers the salespeople going door-to-door had strong Scottish or Irish accents. One was thought to be from Newfoundland.
Police said homeowners “were misled into believing the men were representing the City of Guelph or an approved city contractor.”
Reporting problems
Guelph Police shared the following advice for anyone approached by a door-to-door salesperson using high-pressure tactics:
Be suspicious of any unsolicited offers or claims from unknown individuals.
Obtain at least three quotes from reputable companies before entering a contract.
Check online reviews, licenses and Better Business Bureau ratings before hiring any contractor. Also consider asking for references.
Take your time to read and understand any contract before signing and never feel pressured to make an immediate decision. Speak to family members or a trusted friend to see if they express any concerns.
Consult with your insurance company about coverage and ensure the contractor is working in compliance with your policy.
Anyone who believes they were a victim of fraud is advised to contact their local police department or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Courtesy of CTV News – June 11, 2025
