Sherbrooke homeowners warned of driveway scam

The pandemic has exposed many flaws in Quebec’s health system this year, but what Rourke has noticed is that there is a disconnect between the various levels of service.

With the arrival of spring weather, the Sherbrooke Police (SPS) are warning people to be careful of a scam involving offers of driveway repair.

According to a notice issued by the SPS earlier this week, a number of people have been observed going door to door offering asphalt repair services. When asked, however, many cannot produce a door-to-door sales permit from the City of Sherbrooke or a permit from the Régie du bâtiment du Québec (RBQ).

The police add that in each case fraudsters have had their victims sign a contract with barely any information on it, identifying it as authorization to do work on the owner’s property. They ask for payment in cash, and then begin work in a very basic way before leaving with the work unfinished or very badly done.

The SPS notes that the individuals tend to be very insistent, particularly with the elderly.

There have reportedly been several complaints about scams of this nature in the city in recent years. When in doubt, citizens are encouraged to ask to see workers’ permits and, if needed, call the police at 819-8215555.