FCAA warns consumers of door-to-door driveway scams

The Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority (FCAA) is warning Saskatchewan residents about driveway repair scams.

The FCAA said some contractors may be unlicensed or may use leftover materials that create low quality product.

Eric Greene, director of the Consumer Protection Division of the FCAA, said this happens every year around this time, and is typically done in areas close to the Trans-Canada Highway and Highway 16.

Scammers often come for “on the spot” driveway repair, but Greene said there are things to watch out for.

“If they’re not licensed, or if they come uninvited, (the consumer) should ask for a licence,” Greene said. “If they don’t have a licence, they should just end the conversation and report it to our office.”

If the price sounds too good to be true or if the person attempts to pressure the customer into a deal, those are other red flags.

Greene said to make sure everything is in writing as well, and ask lots of questions including property damage or liability insurance.

The FCAA has a registry for licensed dealers as well.

Unlicensed sales activity is prohibited, and offenders can be prosecuted.