Police warn of masonry and chimney contractor scam

At least four homeowners have fallen victim to suspected fraud in Halifax.

Between Jan. 5 and Jan. 10, RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment and Halifax Regional Police (HRP) responded to four reports of fraud where a group of men were canvassing door-to-door offering homeowners chimney repair services.

Through an initial investigation, police learned the homeowners paid an agreed amount to the men allegedly representing a false masonry company. Once demolition occurred, police say the men requested a greater sum of money to complete the work. In each of the four instances, the work was never completed.

“At this time, the information gathered indicates that the masonry company is fictitious and that victims were referred to a very convincing construction website, leading them to believe the company is real,” RCMP said in a press release.

In each incident, there was a group of at least four men.

HRP are now warning other homeowners in the area to keep an eye out for potential scammers.

The investigation, led by the RCMP/HRP Integrated Criminal Investigation Division, is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact police or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers.