Calgary contractor fraud suspects surrender to police

Police have arrested a man and woman in connection with scams that conned Calgary seniors in the south of the city out of tens of thousand of dollars.

One elderly victim, who had Alzheimer's disease, paid over $8,500 for work on a roof last year that was never completed.

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Police say three other elderlyvictims were approached by the same man, who had others working with him.

The groupoffered to clean the victims' eaves troughs and do other odd jobs around their homes, but started pointing out other jobs they said needed doing,charging them more than $37,000 for work that was never done.

None of the suspects were licensed to carry out work in Calgary.

Police have now charged three people in connection with the incidents.

Calgarians who suspect they may be the victim of contractor fraud are encouraged to contact police or CrimeStoppers.

Here are sometips from Calgary policeonhow to protect yourself from fraud when hiring a contractor:

• Ensure you are dealing with an approved contracting company that is properly licensed and insured. You can use the Better Business Bureau or the City of Calgary's online business licence database as resources.
• Ask whether the contractor carries liability insurance. It is not required by law, but if a company does not have this, any damage to property resulting from the renovation may not be covered by the company you have hired.
• Ask for, and contact, references.
• Have the contractor sign a written contract that includes a start date, completion date, full details of the work and materialsand the complete cost.
• Be cautious about paying for work or supplies before the work has been completed, or the supplies have been delivered.
• Be cautious of upfront deposits as only contractors who have a pre-paid contractor's licence from Service Alberta can ask for a deposit. You can check for these licences by calling 1-877-427-4088.