Paris homeowner loses more than $200K in alleged contractor fraud, OPP warns

Paris Independent Staff

Brant County OPP are warning residents to exercise caution when hiring contractors after a Paris homeowner reportedly lost more than $200,000 in an alleged contractor fraud case.

Police say they received a report on May 8 involving renovation work that was paid for but never completed.

According to OPP, the contractor allegedly approached the homeowner through door-to-door solicitation while using the name “Ecoguard Contractors.” Investigators later found the contact information and website provided were not functional. Police also noted payments were reportedly made under a different company name — "Friendly Masonry Ltd." — raising additional concerns.

The investigation remains ongoing.

The case comes as warmer weather prompts an increase in home improvement and renovation projects, a period police and fraud prevention agencies say can attract scammers looking to take advantage of homeowners.

Spring and summer are often peak seasons for unsolicited driveway paving, roofing, landscaping and exterior renovation offers, particularly those involving contractors who show up unannounced claiming they noticed damage or have leftover materials from nearby jobs.

Police are reminding residents to take extra precautions before agreeing to work.

Among the tips provided by OPP:

Be cautious of door-to-door contractors 

Confirm whether a County Peddler's Licence is required and valid 

Verify company information before hiring 

Avoid making large upfront payments 

Ensure all work, costs and timelines are documented in writing 

Additional fraud prevention advice includes researching companies through online reviews and local references, obtaining multiple written estimates and being cautious of high-pressure sales tactics or offers claiming "today only" pricing.

Residents are also encouraged to confirm a business has a legitimate online presence and contact information and to avoid contractors who request large cash payments or refuse to provide written contracts. 

Anyone who believes they may have information related to the investigation, or who may have been affected, is asked to contact Brant County OPP at 1-888-310-1122 and reference incident number E260619398.

More fraud prevention resources are available through the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre