Saskatchewan Federation of Police Officers 87 Fraud Cent$ Toolkit for Seniors Helping Seniors Avoid Fraud HANDYMAN FRAUD A contractor/handyman comes to the door indicating that he/she just happens to be working in the neighbourhood. The contractor notices that something needs to be done to your house and offers to give you a good deal (e.g. left-over shingles from a previous job that he/she can sell at a fraction of the price). If the customer agrees, the contractor requests a large deposit in cash to hold the material until he/she can get the job done. Either the contractor leaves and never returns or does such a poor job that the job has to be redone. What You Can Do About Handyman Fraud Contact at least three contractors to get quotes for work you want done; do not accept work from anyone who shows up at your door unless you have contacted them. Do not pay a large deposit. Contractors will generally request an amount upfront, perhaps 10% to 15 % of the total cost, to purchase material. The rest of the payments are made at agreedupon intervals once specific portions of the job have been completed. Never make a final payment until work is done to your satisfaction and do not pay for the job if the work is shoddy. If you suspect fraud, report it to PhoneBusters. If you are a victim, contact the local police (if applicable) or the local detachment of the RCMP. PhoneBusters information is used to assist law enforcement agencies in possible investigations. MEDICAL CURES FRAUD Promotions for medical cures can be found on the internet, in newspapers, in magazine ads, and in TV infomercials. Products may be sold in stores, on the internet, or through mail-order catalogs. Generally, these cures are passed on to friends, family, and acquaintances by word-of-mouth. What You Can Do About Medical Cures Fraud Beware of medical cures that are touted to be good for many unrelated diseases. Only accept medical advice on the internet from reliable sources such as the Public Health Agency of Canada (www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/) or the Mayo Clinic (www.mayoclinic.com) Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making changes to your medications. Report the medical cure fraud to PhoneBusters. If you are a victim, contact the local police (if applicable) or the local detachment of the RCMP.
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