According to the Better Business Bureau of British Columbia, there has been an uptick in renovation scams since the start of the pandemic. The BBB said the scams typically surround contractors using "high-pressure sales tactics" and demand hefty deposits and prepayments.

Though home renovation scams tend to go underreported, of those British Columbians who have reported their losses say they have experienced more than $120,000 in losses related to renovations and home improvement projects.

Renovation Trust provides its clients with the utmost protection for their money. Whether you're a homeowner or a contractor, we help our clients with recognizing the signs of a fraudulent homeowner-contractor relationship.

Omid Abbasi from DreamLand Inc., is being accused of taking deposits and never completing work by several homeowners.

Homeowners across the GTA and Southern Ontario claim Abbasi had taken money, started work but never completed the job. Not only did the work that was done had to be re-done, but his own workers are saying they haven't been getting paid.

With Renovation Trust, homeowners never have to give a contractor a deposit. If something were to go wrong during a renovation project, the money is always protected. In this case, if a contractor were to disappear or never start work, you would simply request your money back through your Renovation Trust Account.

David Murray, the owner of Eco-Life Home Improvements has been charged with 45 counts of fraud and is set to appear in court in March 2021.

The Eco-Life Home Improvements owner was first arrested and charged back in May 2019 with 20 counts of fraud under $5,000 and three counts of fraud over $5,000. Murray was later charged in November 2019 with an additional 22 counts of fraud.

40 witnesses have come forward with allegations that Murray had taken deposits from them and never completing the work promised. Renovation Trust ensures contractors are only paid for work they complete. To avoid misunderstandings, any changes to the price or scope of work must be approved by the other party.

Scott Eisemann, the owner of Cottage Life Construction was first sentenced to prison in 2014 for defrauding a couple in Toronto during a home renovation scam.

After being released in 2016, Eisemann opened up the Cottage Life Construction. In November 2020, Eisemann was charged with two counts of fraud over $5,000 and two counts of possession of property obtained by crime after two separate investigations.

Eisemann took hefty deposits from his clients and promised to accomplish work. According to one family, Eisemann took their deposit and started work but shortly after demanded more money. This family had paid Eisemann $44,000 out of their $64,000 contract before any major work had been completed.