The Comox Valley RCMP is warning residents to be cautious and skeptical when someone comes to their door offering handyman services.
According to the detachment, Comox Valley residents have been targeted by a man offering handyman services to seniors. The RCMP claims the man has travelled door-to-door and offered services such as eavestrough cleaning, yard work, and other handyman tasks.
“The man gained the trust of homeowners and then took valuables from their home or failed to complete a job he had already been paid for,” reads a press release submitted by the Comox Valley RCMP on June 15, which described the man as being in his 60s, heavy set with grey hair.
“There are many honest, hardworking craftsmen out there eager to get your business, but people need to be aware of fraudsters trying to take advantage of them” said Cst. Holly Carlson of the Comox Valley RCMP Crime Reduction Unit.
The RCMP is asking residents to be vigilant and to call the police immediately if someone suspicious comes to their door offering handyman services.
If such a man comes to your door, the detachment suggests not paying upfront for any services and asking for identification, a business card, or some sort of credentials.
According to the RCMP, if the handyman claims he was “just in the neighbourhood… and happened to notice a problem with your home’s roof, driveway, chimney, or windows,” then he might be a fraudster.
“This is not a company who is going to every door offering everyone a service, you have been targeted,” reads the RCMP release.
