Chimney repair scam has N.S. RCMP looking for public's help
4 men involved in each incident
Nova Scotia RCMP are turning to the public for help after reports of a chimney repair scam in the Halifax area.
In a news release on Friday, police say that between Jan. 5 and Jan. 10 they responded to four reports of fraud where a group of young men were canvassing door-to-door and offering homeowners chimney repair services.
Police say homeowners paid an agreed amount of money to the scam company.
Once the demolition occurred, police say the men would request more money to finish the work. Each time, police say, the work was never finished.
Police say the scam company used a convincing website that led victims to believe it was a real business.
In each incident, police say four men were involved.
Police did not include the name of the scam company because it is similar to the name of a legitimate company. They said the scammers will likely use a different company name in the future.
"The public should be wary of all contractors going door to door offering to repair chimneys or offering similar services," Cpl. Guillaume Tremblay said in an email. "Last year we saw a similar scam where it was a roofing 'company' targeting homeowners."
Anyone with information on the scams can contact police directly at 902-490-5020.