On Monday October 30 2017 Halton Regional Police Criminal Investigators from Oakville and Burlington arrested a handyman accused, Elwood Bowler (54 years) from Toronto , for the additional charges of Fraud Under $5000 (12 counts) and one charge of Fraud Over $5000.
The accused is before the courts facing a total of 23 counts of Fraud stemming from door-to-door handyman scams committed in the Town of Oakville and the City of Burlington. The accused was released with a pending court date.
Elwood Bowler offered services to complete eavestrough repair, tree cutting, roofing or other home maintenance. It is alleged he did not commence the work he was paid to do, and does not have a registered business or insurance coverage.
Halton Regional Police are cautioning the public not to engage in door-to-door sales activities and to seek out products and services from reputable licenced companies themselves. Home owners should be aware of their rights as consumers and follow some basic safety precautions such as:
- obtain three quotes for a job with references
- do not pay the total balance for the job up front or in cash and;
- take your time to research the companies you have working on your property
One resource for the public is Consumer Protection Ontario web site to research complaint reports on companies and individuals who may be trying to sell you a product or service you may not necessarily need at your door. Do not be a victim of high pressure sales tactics.
Consumer Protection Ontario web link: https://www.ontario.ca/page/consumer-protection-ontario
Contact information: Burlington Elders Investigator, Detective Constable Derek Gray at 905-825-4747 Ext 2344 or Oakville Elders Investigator Detective Constable Tim Nichols 905-825-4747 Ext 2214. The public are encouraged to report fraudulent activity to Halton Regional Police at: 905-825-4777, or file a fraud report at: Fraud Intake Office 905-465-8741. Tips may also be forwarded to Crime Stoppers “See Something, Hear Something, Say Something” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca or by texting “Tip201” with your message to 274637 (crimes).
Original Post: August 24, 2017
Handyman Arrested for Fraud in Oakville
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