RCMP investigating ‘numerous’ complaints about snow removal contractors on P.E.I.

RCMP on P.E.I. say they’ve opened an investigation into complaints about snow removing firms on the Island.

Cst. Gavin Moore mentioned they’ve obtained “quite a few” complaints from folks in varied components of the province who all declare to have been scammed by snow removing firms. 

“We have had a variety of studies not too long ago from Islanders with considerations about contractors that they’ve had for snow removing or roofing the place they think they might have been defrauded,” he mentioned.

“It is a concern that individuals might have paid for a service and that that service isn’t going to be rendered,” he mentioned. “If there’s a component of dishonesty, then that would then make it a fraud.”

Corey Nicholson is the co-owner of Dickieson’s Snow Removing, which has been clearing snow in Charlottetown since 1974.

He mentioned discuss of scams can damage all people — even firms with a great popularity. 

“I’ve had a number of calls from those that had employed one other firm and that different firm hasn’t proven up or wasn’t in a position to get there,” he mentioned.

The issue, he mentioned, is that many snow clearing firms are already booked up — and if somebody is overlooked within the chilly, there is not all the time a lot he can do to assist.

“With us being pretty full until we’re proper in that space, it is actually laborious for us to take any extra [clients] on,” he mentioned.

Ask questions upfront

Nicholson mentioned there are steps you may take to guard your self when hiring a brand new contractor, together with asking how a lot gear they’ve.

“You must all the time know what your organization’s gear is able to,” he mentioned.

“It won’t be able to greater snow, or if they’re making an attempt to do too massive of an space, they might not be capable to do the customer support that you simply’re on the lookout for.” 

The RCMP advocate you analysis any firm you are planning to rent as a contractor, and ask your self questions, together with:

• Is the value too good to be true?
• How lengthy have they been in enterprise?
• Have they got the required gear and insurance coverage?
• Have you ever checked references?

Moore additionally mentioned it is necessary to get all agreements in writing — together with quotes, contracts and invoices.

“Earlier than handing over cash, it is necessary to know for each side precisely what’s anticipated,” he mentioned. “If that expectation is not met, then you definitely now have a proper document of what the settlement was.”

Should you consider you’ve got been a sufferer of a rip-off, RCMP additionally advocate you contact police straight away.