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Cambridge senior lost $40,000 in driveway paving scam

Police say a 74-year-old homeowner in the Greenway-Chaplin area was promised work that was never completed
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Police are warning Cambridge residents about a driveway paving scam targeting local residents.

Waterloo regional police are once-again warning residents of Cambridge to be aware of a driveway paving scam that appears to be targeting homeowners across the city.

On May 24, a 74-year-old homeowner in the Greenway-Chaplin area of Cambridge was approached by an unknown individual offering driveway paving services. The homeowner paid the individual and no work was completed.

On May 31, 2023, the same individual requested additional funds from the homeowner to complete the work.

The scam was detected when the victim attended their bank to withdraw funds and recognized the signs of a potential fraud.

The victim sustained a financial loss of over $40,000.

The investigation into ongoing driveway paving scams is continuing by WRPS' Organized Financial Crime Team.

Members of the public are encouraged to consider the following tips to help prevent becoming a victim of this scam:

  • Be wary of unsolicited contractors who knock on your door offering services, particularly if they accept only cash and/or require a large down payment.
  • Do not make on-the-spot decisions about hiring a contractor. Consider shopping around and obtaining detailed estimates. 
  • Obtain a detailed, written contract.
  • Get recommendations from people you trust.