Police offer advice to avoid door-to-door sales fraud

Jeff Helsdon, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Police are warning the public to be vigilant after arrests in a case connected to door-to-door sales fraud.

Two individuals were arrested and Canada-wide arrest warrants have been issued for three others by Ontario's Serious Fraud Office (SFO) following a criminal investigation linked to a door-to-door sales fraud which victimized over 200 people across Ontario.

In summer 2021, Collingwood OPP began an investigation, which was later referred to the OPP Serious Fraud Office in February 2022 and became Project Nettle. During this investigation, it was discovered salespeople were directed to attend the homes of older adults and vulnerable people to initiate frauds where victims unknowingly entered into home service and/or renovation agreements at exorbitant prices. Many victims believed they were getting services/installations and renovations for free through government grants or rebates.

Organizers of this fraud then used the fake agreements to register Notice of Security Interest's (NOSIs) which are similar to liens against victims' homes without their knowledge. Later, these NOSIs were paid off to the benefit of the fraud organizers using fraudulent, high-interest mortgages against the victims' homes. In many cases, this fraud left the victims in financial peril; and in some cases, forced the victims to sell their homes.

“Although this particular scam has not been reported in Oxford County there are many ways to safeguard yourself against any type of door-to-door scam,” said Const. Randi Crawford of Oxford OPP. “Providing a deterrent such as a doorbell camera or video surveillance capturing the front door may prevent a scammer from even attempting a door knock. Never let a stranger into your house. Communicate through a door or window asking the person to leave their information for you to review and call them back if interested. If the person will not leave your property after you have asked them to do so, call the police.”.

Investigators are asking anyone with additional information regarding this fraud to call the dedicated tip line at 1 (833) 941-5865 or email OPP.Nettle@opp.ca.