With the arrival of summer, residents in Greater Sudbury are being cautioned by local police about an uptick in scams related to landscaping, paving, and home improvement services. Police noted on June 9 that while many contractors are legitimate, some may demand large upfront payments without completing the work. Scammers typically lure potential victims with low prices that require immediate payment or a hefty deposit. Residents are advised to watch for warning signs such as contractors who do not provide written contracts, vague terms, or refuse to offer a business address and proof of insurance. To protect themselves, homeowners should insist on written quotes that detail costs and timelines and check references before proceeding. Police recommend avoiding full upfront payments and instead consider staged payments linked to the project's progress. Moreover, disputes regarding unfinished or poorly executed work may be treated as civil matters under Ontario law, complicating the recovery of funds. If residents suspect they have been scammed, they are encouraged to report the incident to Sudbury police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.