Halifax police lay charges in chimney repair scam

Halifax police have recently made arrests in connection with a fraudulent chimney and masonry company scam that targeted homeowners in the area. The scam involved a group of men posing as a legitimate construction company, going door to door in various neighborhoods throughout the municipality.

According to a news release issued by the police, the suspects used a variety of fictitious company names such as Nova Construction and Masonry, All Seasons Construction, Firmway Construction, Marshall’s Construction, and Rideau Masonry and Roofing. The scammers targeted mostly seniors, convincing them that their roofs and chimneys were in need of urgent repairs.

Once the victims agreed to allow the suspects to inspect their property, they would be presented with a list of supposed repairs and pressured into making a large cash payment upfront. In many cases, the suspects either failed to return to complete the work or performed subpar repairs, leaving the victims with damaged or incomplete projects.

After receiving multiple reports of suspected home repair fraud, investigators conducted a search warrant at a residence on Hazelhurst Street in Dartmouth and arrested four men on charges of fraud under $5,000. The following day, another search warrant was executed at a residence on Battery Drive in Halifax, where officers discovered documents indicating that the suspects were planning to open a new fraudulent business.

The four men, aged 18, 23, 27, and 38, are currently facing charges related to fraud, with the 23-year-old and 38-year-old also being charged with obstructing a peace officer. The investigation into the scam is still ongoing, and authorities urge anyone who believes they may have been a victim of fraud to contact the police at (902) 490-5020 or report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

This incident serves as a reminder for homeowners to be cautious when approached by individuals offering unsolicited home repair services. It is important to verify the legitimacy of any company before agreeing to any work, especially if they are using high-pressure tactics or demanding immediate payment. By staying vigilant and reporting suspicious activities, residents can help prevent falling victim to similar scams in the future.