How do I report a contractor scam in Ontario?

If you've been scammed by a contractor in Ontario, you need to report it to multiple agencies immediately to protect yourself and other homeowners.

Start with the Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services at 1-800-889-9768 or file online at ontario.ca/consumer. They handle consumer protection violations and can investigate unlicensed contractors, fraudulent practices, and contract violations. This should be your first call as they have enforcement powers and can help with restitution.

Contact local police if money was stolen, fraud occurred, or the contractor disappeared with your deposit. In Ottawa, call Ottawa Police at 613-236-1222 ext. 7300 for economic crimes. Get a police report number - you'll need this for insurance claims and other agencies.

Report to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) at bbb.org/ottawa to warn other consumers and potentially get mediation help. While the BBB can't force resolution, their complaint system creates a public record that helps other Ottawa homeowners avoid the same contractor.

For licensed trades, report to the appropriate regulatory body. If it involved electrical work, contact ESA (Electrical Safety Authority) at 1-877-372-7233 or esasafe.com. For gas or HVAC work, contact TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) at 1-877-682-8772. These agencies can suspend or revoke licenses and investigate safety violations.

File with your local municipality - in Ottawa, contact Building Code Services at 613-580-2424. They track unlicensed contractors and can issue stop-work orders on dangerous projects. The City of Ottawa maintains records of problem contractors that help protect other residents.

Document everything before reporting: contracts, receipts, photos of work, text messages, emails, and any permits pulled. Take photos of incomplete or defective work from multiple angles. Keep records of all payments made, including cash receipts.

What constitutes a contractor scam in Ontario: demanding large upfront payments, door-to-door high-pressure sales, no written contract, no fixed business address, significantly under-bidding then demanding more money, starting work without permits when required, using unlicensed trades for electrical/gas work, or disappearing mid-project.

Protect your finances immediately - if you paid by credit card, contact your card company to dispute charges. If you wrote checks that haven't cleared, contact your bank to stop payment. Document all financial losses for potential legal action.

Consider legal action through Ontario's Small Claims Court for amounts under $35,000, or consult a lawyer for larger losses. The Construction Lien Act may help you recover money if materials weren't paid for and suppliers file liens.

Prevention for other homeowners: Always verify contractor licenses through ESA (esasafe.com), TSSA (tssa.org), and WSIB clearance certificates. Get multiple quotes, check references, and never pay large amounts upfront. In Ottawa, legitimate contractors understand local permit requirements and building codes.

The key is reporting quickly to multiple agencies - each serves a different purpose in stopping scammers and potentially helping you recover losses.