A friendly contractor knocking on your door could cost you tens of thousands of dollars. Ottawa Police renewed their warning this spring after door-to-door construction scams returned to the region, with organized groups from the United Kingdom targeting Ottawa homeowners with sophisticated fraud schemes.
In 2023 alone, Ottawa residents lost an estimated $250,000 in just two weeks to these scams. The pattern continues in 2025, and understanding how these operations work is your best defense.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Door-to-door construction scams cost Ottawa residents $250,000 in 2023. Organized groups, often from the UK with Irish or Scottish accents, target homeowners with unsolicited offers for foundation repairs, driveways, and roofing. They demand large deposits, perform poor work or disappear, and create fake urgency about structural problems. Never hire contractors who show up unannounced.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Date | Most common in spring/summer 2025 |
| 📍 Location | Throughout Ottawa, targeting all neighborhoods |
| 🎟️ Cost | Individual losses range from $10,000 to $90,000+ |
| ⏰ Time | Peak: After storms or when weather improves |
How the Scam Works
The Initial Approach
It starts with a knock on your door.
The Pitch: A friendly, well-spoken contractor appears at your home. They’re charming, professional, and persuasive. They mention they’re working on a neighbor’s house and noticed potential problems with your foundation, driveway, chimney, or roof.
The Hook: “Since we’re already in the neighborhood, we can offer you a special price if we do the work now.” The offer seems too good to pass up—expensive construction work at a fraction of the normal cost.
Who They Are: According to Detective Shaun Wahbeh from Ottawa Police, these operations typically involve individuals from the United Kingdom working illegally for cash. Victims consistently describe operators as charming men in their 50s with thick Irish or Scottish accents who use migrant workers to perform the actual labor.
Creating False Urgency
Scammers manufacture crises.
The Inspection: They offer a free inspection of your property. During this walk-around, they point out “serious problems” that need immediate attention.
Fear Tactics: One victim reported a contractor warning that their house “could collapse without an $84,000 repair job” after initially just quoting parging work. The severity escalates quickly to justify higher costs.
Pressure for Immediate Decision: They emphasize that the special price is only available if you decide now. Waiting means paying much more later. This pressure prevents you from getting second opinions or researching the company.
Illustrative image only.
The Financial Trap
Once you agree, problems begin.
Large Deposits Required: Scammers demand substantial upfront deposits before starting work. This is your money at risk before you’ve seen any results.
Work Begins but Doesn’t Finish: In many cases, contractors start the job but never complete it. They may work for a few days, then disappear with your deposit and partial payment.
Poor Quality Work: When work is completed, it’s typically of very poor quality. Foundations remain unfixed, driveways crack immediately, or repairs need to be completely redone by legitimate contractors.
Escalating Costs: Some scammers complete initial work, then claim they discovered additional problems requiring more money. The $20,000 driveway becomes a $50,000 project as “unexpected issues” emerge.
Warning Signs and Red Flags
Appearance Red Flags
Know what to watch for.
Unsolicited Contact: Legitimate contractors rarely go door-to-door soliciting work. They have enough business from referrals, advertising, and online presence without cold-calling at homes.
Working in Your Neighborhood: The claim of “already working nearby” is a classic scam tactic. Even if true, professional contractors don’t recruit additional clients this way.
No Business Information:
- No local business address provided
- No business card or vague contact information
- No company website or minimal online presence
- No visible company markings on vehicles
Pressure and Urgency: Any contractor pushing for an immediate decision is suspect. Legitimate professionals understand homeowners need time for consideration and comparison.
Contractor Behavior Red Flags
How they interact reveals intent.
Charming but Evasive: Scammers are initially very friendly and outgoing, building trust quickly. But they become evasive or defensive when asked detailed questions about licensing, insurance, or references.
Cash Preferred: While legitimate contractors accept various payment methods, scammers strongly prefer cash or demand unusual payment methods.
Large Upfront Deposits: Requesting 50% or more before starting work is excessive. Standard practice is 10-30% deposit with staged payments tied to completion milestones.
Won’t Provide References: Claims they can’t provide references because of privacy, are too busy, or just moved to the area.
No Written Contract: Avoiding detailed written contracts or providing vague agreements without specific scope, timeline, or guarantees.
Who’s Behind These Scams
Organized Operations
This isn’t random fraud.
International Groups: Ottawa Police identify these operations as organized groups from the United Kingdom. They’re not Canadian citizens and relocate after completing a circuit of victims.
Migrant Workers: The operations use migrant workers to perform actual labor, keeping costs low and maximizing profits from inflated prices charged to homeowners.
Seasonal Patterns: These groups operate seasonally, arriving in spring and summer when construction demand peaks and weather makes outdoor work possible. They exploit post-storm periods when homeowners are concerned about property damage.
Moving Targets: Detective Wahbeh notes this trend began about five years ago and continues because groups move between regions. When one area becomes too aware, they relocate to new communities.
Why They Target Ottawa
Strategic selection.
Affluent Homeowners: Ottawa has a high concentration of homeowners with property values that justify expensive repairs. Scammers target areas where $50,000-$100,000 construction projects are financially feasible for residents.
Seasonal Weather: Ottawa’s harsh winters and storm activity create legitimate concerns about property damage, making fear-based tactics more effective.
Large Geographic Spread: Ottawa’s sprawling geography means word-of-mouth warnings don’t spread quickly enough to all neighborhoods before scammers move on.
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Types of Construction Work Targeted
Foundation Repairs
The most expensive scams.
Why It Works: Foundation problems are genuinely serious and expensive to repair. Homeowners fear structural collapse and water damage, making them vulnerable to fear tactics.
The Scam: Contractors claim to see cracks, settling, or water damage requiring immediate attention. They quote $50,000 to $100,000 for repairs.
Reality: Many homes have minor foundation cracks that are cosmetic rather than structural. A legitimate structural engineer assessment costs a few hundred dollars and provides honest evaluation.
Driveway and Paving
Common and visible work.
The Approach: “We have leftover asphalt from a nearby job and can give you a deal.” The work can start immediately at a fraction of normal cost.
The Result: A thin layer of inferior material that deteriorates within weeks or months. What looked like a bargain becomes a complete redo at full price with a legitimate contractor.
Roofing and Chimney Work
After-storm targeting.
The Timing: Scammers appear after windstorms, hail, or winter, claiming your roof sustained damage that needs immediate repair.
The Tactic: They may even cause minor damage during their “inspection” to show you problems. Loose shingles, damaged flashing, or chimney issues create urgency.
Parging and Masonry
Foundation-adjacent work.
The Scam: Offering to repair crumbling parging (the cement coating on foundation walls) or repoint brickwork. Initial quotes are reasonable, then escalate once work begins.
How to Protect Yourself
At Your Door
Your first line of defense.
Don’t Engage: You have no obligation to answer your door or speak with unsolicited contractors. A simple “No thank you, we’re not interested” is sufficient.
Never Let Them Inspect: Don’t allow unsolicited contractors to inspect your property. They’ll find problems (real or invented) to justify their services.
Take Their Information: If you’re curious, ask for a business card and say you’ll contact them if interested. Legitimate contractors won’t pressure you. Scammers often provide fake or minimal contact information.
Close the Door: If someone becomes pushy or won’t accept your refusal, close and lock your door. If they don’t leave your property, call Ottawa Police.
Verifying Contractors
Due diligence requirements.
Get Multiple Quotes: Never hire based on one estimate. Get at least three quotes from different contractors for any significant work.
Check References: Request and actually contact previous customers. Ask about work quality, timeline adherence, and final costs versus estimates.
Verify Business Registration: Check with the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) for company ratings and complaints. Search the company name with “scam” or “complaint” to find warning signs.
Confirm Licensing and Insurance: Ask for proof of business license, liability insurance, and WSIB coverage. Verify these documents directly with the issuing organizations.
Check Online Presence: Legitimate contractors have established websites, social media presence, and online reviews across multiple platforms.
Contract Requirements
Protect yourself legally.
Written Contract Essential: Never begin work without a detailed written contract specifying:
- Exact scope of work
- Materials to be used (brands, specifications)
- Timeline with start and completion dates
- Total cost and payment schedule
- Warranty information
- Contractor’s business details and license numbers
Payment Terms: Standard deposit is 10-30%, not 50%+. Tie payments to completion milestones, not arbitrary dates. Never pay in full until work is complete and inspected.
Cooling Off Period: Ontario law provides a 10-day cooling off period for door-to-door sales contracts. You can cancel within 10 days for a full refund.
What Legitimate Contractors Do
Professional Standards
Know the difference.
Established Local Business: They have a physical business address, established online presence, and long history in the community.
Don’t Cold Call: Legitimate contractors get business from referrals, online marketing, and reputation. They don’t need to knock on doors.
Provide Time to Decide: Professional contractors give you time to review estimates, check references, and consider options. No pressure tactics.
Detailed Estimates: Written estimates break down all costs, materials, labor, timeline, and payment schedule clearly.
Licensed and Insured: They readily provide proof of licensing, insurance, and WSIB coverage without hesitation.
References Available: Happy to provide references and may have testimonials on their website or social media.
Accept Standard Payment: Credit cards, checks, and e-transfers are standard. While they may accept cash, they don’t insist on it.
If You’ve Been Victimized
Immediate Actions
Minimize the damage.
1. Stop All Payments: Don’t send any additional money. Contact your bank or credit card company to stop payment if possible.
2. Exercise Cooling Off Period: If you signed within the last 10 days, you can cancel the contract in writing for a full refund under Ontario consumer protection law.
3. Document Everything:
- Photographs of the contractor, workers, vehicles
- Copy of any contract or agreement
- Records of all payments
- Photos of work completed (or not completed)
- Any business cards or contact information provided
4. Report to Ottawa Police: File a report with Ottawa Police at 613-236-1222. Even if recovery is unlikely, reports help police track patterns and warn other residents.
5. Contact Consumer Protection Ontario: File a complaint at 1-800-889-9768 or through ontario.ca. They investigate fraudulent contractors and can take enforcement action.
Recovery Options
Possible recourse.
Small Claims Court: For amounts under $35,000, you can sue the contractor in small claims court. This requires knowing the contractor’s actual legal identity and location.
Homeowner Insurance: Some policies may cover certain types of contractor fraud. Contact your insurance company to explore options.
Credit Card Dispute: If you paid by credit card, dispute the charges with your card issuer. Document the fraud and provide all evidence.
Better Business Bureau: File a formal complaint to warn other consumers and potentially pressure the company if they value their rating.
Realistic Expectations: Recovery is difficult. Many scam operators disappear, work under false names, or leave the country. Your best protection is prevention.
Ottawa Police Guidance
Official Recommendations
What authorities advise.
Ask for References: Ottawa Police explicitly recommend requesting and checking references before hiring any contractor who approaches your home.
Compare Quotes: Get multiple quotes for any significant work. Price variations help identify both high-quality contractors and potential scams.
Better Business Bureau Check: Look up contractors on bbb.org to check ratings, complaints, and business history.
Trust Your Instincts: If a price sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you feel pressured or uncomfortable, trust that feeling.
The Pressure Test: “The more they pressure you to hand over money or act quickly or lose the opportunity, it’s a signal to walk away,” according to police guidance.
Reporting Suspicious Activity
Help protect your community.
When to Report:
- Someone won’t leave your property after being asked
- Aggressive or threatening behavior
- Someone claiming false credentials or affiliations
- Patterns of door-to-door solicitation in your neighborhood
How to Report: Ottawa Police non-emergency: 613-236-1222
What to Provide:
- Descriptions of individuals and vehicles
- Business name and contact information they provided
- Photos if safely obtained
- Address where they claimed to be working
The $250,000 Impact
2023 Statistics
The scale of the problem.
Two-Week Period: In 2023, Ottawa residents lost approximately $250,000 to door-to-door construction scams in just a two-week period. This represents only reported cases; many victims don’t report due to embarrassment or believing recovery is impossible.
Individual Losses: Individual victims report losses ranging from $10,000 to over $90,000. One recent case involved a homeowner losing $90,000 to a scam that included a fake city inspector.
Ongoing Problem: Police continue to receive reports in 2025. Detective Wahbeh noted they received reports in May 2025 and expect more as weather warms and construction season peaks.
Why Victims Pay
Understanding vulnerability.
Fear of Property Damage: Genuine concern about home maintenance and structural integrity makes homeowners receptive to warnings about foundation problems or roof damage.
Trust in Authority: Scammers present themselves professionally and confidently, exploiting homeowners’ trust in contractor expertise.
Isolation of Transaction: Unlike retail purchases, home construction often involves direct relationships with contractors without institutional oversight until problems emerge.
Embarrassment Prevents Reporting: Many victims feel foolish for being scammed and don’t report, allowing perpetrators to continue targeting other residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all door-to-door contractors scammers?
Not all, but the vast majority of legitimate contractors don’t solicit door-to-door. Some very small, new businesses might, but established professional contractors have enough work from other sources. It’s safest to assume unsolicited door-to-door construction offers are scams until proven otherwise.
What if they show me actual problems with my house?
Get an independent assessment from a contractor you research and hire yourself. Scammers may point out real minor issues but exaggerate their severity. Some even cause minor damage during “inspections” to create problems to fix.
Can I check if a contractor is legitimate before hiring?
Yes. Check the Better Business Bureau, search for online reviews, verify business registration and licensing, contact provided references, and ensure they have proper insurance. Legitimate contractors welcome this verification.
What should I do if a contractor shows up claiming the city sent them?
Call the City of Ottawa directly to verify. The city doesn’t send contractors to inspect or repair private property without prior notice and official documentation. This is a known scam tactic.
Is a 50% deposit normal for construction work?
No. Standard deposits range from 10-30% for most construction projects. Large deposits before work begins are a major red flag. Payment should be tied to completion milestones, not given upfront.
Final Thoughts
Door-to-door construction scams succeed because they exploit homeowners’ legitimate concerns about property maintenance while using pressure tactics that prevent careful decision-making. The organized nature of these operations, particularly groups from the UK working illegally in Canada, makes them sophisticated and difficult to stop completely.
Your strongest protection is simple: never hire contractors who approach you unsolicited. When you need construction work, research and select contractors yourself. Get multiple quotes, check references, verify credentials, and insist on detailed written contracts.
The $250,000 lost by Ottawa residents in just two weeks of 2023 represents real families, real savings, and real financial hardship. Each of those victims likely thought they were getting a good deal or acting responsibly by addressing home maintenance needs.
Don’t become a statistic. When that friendly contractor knocks on your door with a too-good-to-be-true offer, remember: legitimate businesses don’t need to hunt for customers door-to-door.
Sources: CBC News Ottawa, Ottawa Police Service, Better Business Bureau
For more safety information, check out our Tow Truck Scams Ottawa 2025 warning or explore other articles in Ottawa Beware.
