A St. Catharines contractor has been charged with multiple counts of fraud after months of investigation.
In February 2016, Niagara Regional Police Central Fraud Unit began a lengthy investigation into complaints regarding a St Catharines contractor operating as WILSON CONTRACTING. As a result of that investigation, on July 26, a 54-year-old St Catharines man turned himself into police and has been charged with:
• Fraud Under $5,000 x 15;
• Fraud Over $5,000 x3, and;
• Utter Forged Document x 2.
The man was soliciting business door-to-door in the West Niagara, Niagara and Hamilton area primarily for new window and shingle installations. He was held in custody pending a bail hearing in St Catharines on Wednesday, July 27.
Police believe there are additional victims. Anyone with additional information is asked to call Detective Constable Derek WATSON with the Central Fraud Unit at 905 688-4111 extension 5037 or e-mail at Derek.Watson@niagarapolice.ca .
Consumers are reminded to “slow-down” and check references prior to signing any contract and especially before handing over deposits. Before hiring a contractor protect yourself by knowing your rights before starting a home renovation. Learn how to hire a reliable contractor and what to include in your contract by visiting Consumer Protection Ontario at
https://www.ontario.ca/page/your-rights-when-starting-home-renovations-or-repairs .