British Columbia woman says her 'animal instincts' saved her from a $28K paving scam — here are the red flags
Tracy Bekker, a Canadian business owner in Port Alberni on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, almost got scammed out of $28,000 until she told reporters that her 'animal instinct' kicked in.
In late March, Bekker says she was approached by someone who worked at a paving company, who offered her a discounted price to pave her gravel lot, since he claimed he had asphalt they had left over from a previous job.
I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast)
Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how
Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10)
The initial quote: $9 per square foot.
Bekker told CHEK News that a lot of the asphalt is already falling apart, and in places, not as thick as what the person at the paving company claimed it would be.
The man at the paving company also kept pressuring her to increase the square footage of the job, which Bekker says was probably their way of getting more money.
When she realized what was happening, she refused to pay.
'I said, 'Go ahead, we're not paying for it anyway,'' when the workers threatened to put a lien on Bekker's business and pull up all of the asphalt.
The exchange escalated so much that Bekker called 911 and told them that some people were trying to scam her.
'The next thing I know is they took off so fast,' she said.
The team who approached her were from Pro Style Paving, but when CHEK News reached out to the owner, Ben Ashurst, he let them know he'd been completely in the dark on the issue.
Ashurst says when looking through his books, he found orders for a number of material and side jobs that he'd never authorized. He blamed an unsupervised crew for the scheme and fired two team leaders presumably involved.
'They've basically been pocketing money for themselves,' he said.
Ashurst has since told Bekker she doesn't need to pay him anything. When CHEK News reporters asked if he'd admit that his crew had been scamming people, he replied that he couldn't admit to anything because he didn't know what the crew had been doing.
Read more: This hedge fund legend warns US stock market will crash a stunning 80% — claims 'Armageddon' is coming. Don't believe him? He earned 4,144% during COVID. Here's 3 ways to protect yourself
Sadly, these types of scams are more common than you think.
So much so that the Better Business Bureau (BBB) has an entire section called 'BBB Scams HQ' devoted to informing consumers and businesses about them.
Paving scams specifically have become popular enough that the BBB posted a scam alert last June, warning consumers of the shady tactics they may encounter. It starts out much like what Bekker experienced.
How it usually works is a contractor will show up at your door to ask if you need any work done on your driveway or sidewalk since they're in the area. They claim they have extra supplies after completing a nearby job and offer you a discount.
The scammer will usually dodge any questions you have and attempt to get you to pay a large deposit upfront.
A few scenarios could happen after you pay them. One, the contractor will disappear and you can't contact them. Or, they may complete the work, but it's not good quality work. If you refuse to pay, the contractor may try to threaten a lawsuit or other similar tactics to get you to pay up.
It's also common for these scammers to impersonate a legitimate company.
Scammers aren't going to go away, so your best line of defense is to try and avoid being scammed in the first place.
Be suspicious of any offer if someone approaches you with a similar 'deal.' Always get the person's name and see if they have proper identification.
Scammers will try to pressure you to accept their offer, but slow down and reach out to the company they're supposedly working for before you make a decision. Consider looking them up on the BBB website, as legitimate ones tend to have an accredited listing.
Before getting any work done, have the estimate and a detailed overview of the home improvement project in writing. You want to be sure you have a contract in place outlining the payment amount, start and completion dates, and a breakdown of the costs (including service and materials).
If you believe you're a victim of a scam or being targeted for one, be sure to report it to the BBB Scam Tracker and the Federal Trade Commission.
Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it
Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead
Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you?
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
an hour ago
Canadian tariffs on U.S. steel and aluminum could rise depending on trade talks, says Carney
TORONTO -- Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday he will impose new tariffs on U.S. steel and aluminum imports on July 21 depending the progress of trade talks with U.S. President Donald Trump. Carney, who met with Trump at the Group of Seven meetings in Alberta this week, reiterated Thursday that Canada and the U.S. "agreed to pursue negotiations toward a deal within the coming 30 days." 'We will review our response as the negotiations progress,' Carney said. He added: "In parallel, we must reinforce our strength at home – and safeguard Canadian workers and businesses from the unjust U.S. tariffs. That's why today we are announcing Canada will be introducing a series of countermeasures to protect Canadian steel and aluminum workers and producers. "First, Canada will adjust its existing counter-tariffs on U.S. steel and aluminum products on July 21 to levels consistent with progress made in the broader trading agreement with the United States.' Carney said Trump's trade war is running the risk of a global recession. 'The world is in the middle of a trade war and several wars, actual wars, including wars that can have quite significant implications for commodity prices and global growth,' said Carney, who led the central banks of both Canada and the United Kingdom. Trump has imposed 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum as well as 25% tariffs on autos. Trump is also charging a 10% tax on imports from most countries, though he could raise rates on July 9, after the 90-day negotiating period set by him would expire. Canada and Mexico face separate tariffs of as much as 25% that Trump put into place under the auspices of stopping fentanyl smuggling, through some products are still protected under the 2020 U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement signed during Trump's first term. Canada is the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian dollars ($2.6 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. 'We need to stabilize the trading relationship with the United States. We need to have ready access to U.S. markets,' Carney said. Trump announced with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer that they had signed a trade framework Monday that was previously announced in May. The trade framework included quotas to protect against some tariffs, but the 10% baseline would largely remain as the Trump administration is banking on tariff revenues to help cover the cost of its income tax cuts. Carney didn't say if he would sign a deal with the U.S. if any tariffs remain in place on Canada. auto sectors,' he said.
Hamilton Spectator
an hour ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Dundee Corporation Announces Voting Results from 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
TORONTO, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dundee Corporation (TSX: DC.A) ('Dundee' or the 'Corporation') is pleased to announce the voting results from its Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the 'Meeting') which was held earlier today. Shareholders voted in favour of all items of business before the Meeting, as follows: Appointment of Auditor PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP were appointed as Auditor of the Corporation and the directors of the Corporation were authorized to fix the remuneration of the Auditor. Details of the voting results are set out below: Election of Directors The shareholders elected each of the seven nominees listed in the Corporation's Management Proxy Circular. Details of the voting results are set out below: The Corporation also announces the departure of Steven Sharpe as Executive Vice Chair with the Corporation's orderly disposition of its non-mining legacy investment portfolio nearly complete. We would like to thank Mr. Sharpe for his valuable contribution to the organization and wish him continued success in his future endeavors. ABOUT DUNDEE CORPORATION Dundee Corporation is a public Canadian independent mining-focused holding company, listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol 'DC.A'. The Corporation is primarily engaged in acquiring mineral resource assets. The Corporation operates with the objective of unlocking value through strategic investments in mining projects globally. Our team conducts due diligence in order to assess the geological, technical, environmental, and financial merits and risks of each project and looks to deploy capital where it can either seek to generate investment returns or where the Corporation can collaborate with operating partners and take strategic partnerships through direct interests in mining operations. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Investor and Media Relations T: (416) 864-3584 E: ir@
Hamilton Spectator
2 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Steel industry groups say Carney's retaliatory plan for U.S. tariffs ‘falls short'
OTTAWA - The Canadian Steel Producers Association and United Steelworkers Union are panning Prime Minister Mark Carney's response to U.S. President Donald Trump's punishing tariffs. Their response came hours after Carney announced a tariff countermeasure plan Thursday that includes retaliation against Trump's steel and aluminum tariffs a month from now — depending on how much progress the two world leaders make in their trade discussions. The two steel organizations issued a joint statement late Thursday saying Carney's plan 'falls short of what the industry needs at this most challenging time.' 'We will continue to review the details of the measures and work constructively with the federal government to get a plan that works for Canadian steel producers and the thousands of workers that make up our sector,' Catherine Cobden of the steel industry association and Marty Warren, the union's national director, said in the joint statement. Carney said that while he and Trump are pursuing a deal to end tariffs within the next 30 days, Canadian counter-tariffs will be adjusted on July 21 to 'levels consistent with progress made in the broader trading agreement with the U.S.' 'We must reinforce our strength at home and safeguard Canadian workers and businesses from the unjust U.S. tariffs,' Carney told a press conference on Parliament Hill following a federal cabinet meeting. The announcement came just a few hours before Canadian steel industry representatives were set to publicly call on the government to take immediate action in response to the U.S. tariffs. The steel producers instead held off and scrubbed their press conference. Jean Simard, head of the Aluminium Association of Canada, said in a media statement Thursday that the measures Ottawa announced 'strike the right balance.' He said the government needs to carefully balance 'sending a strong signal towards focused and accelerated negotiations and using a measured approach through adaptive counter-tariffs and reciprocal procurement policies.' 'In this rapidly evolving situation, with potentially high financial impacts due to uncontrollable market reactions, we will need and seek agility and speed for government interventions should we reach the 30-day deadline without a positive resolve,' Simard added. Trump imposed his 25 per cent tariff on all steel and aluminum imports in March and Canada responded with 25 per cent counter-tariffs on U.S. steel and aluminum products in March. But Canada has not changed its tariffs yet since Trump increased U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum to 50 per cent on June 3. The U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs apply to the entire world, not just Canada, which has led to concerns about dumping — foreign companies flooding the market with products priced far below the prices domestic firms can charge. Trump's escalating tariff war has slammed demand and prices for Canadian steel, prompting layoffs and leaving the industry worried about its future. Ottawa also plans to introduce rules on June 30 that will limit federal procurement to using steel and aluminum from Canada and 'reliable trading partners.' The Carney government will also set new tariff rate quotas of 100 per cent of 2024 levels on imports of steel products from non-free trade agreement partners. NDP Leader Don Davies said in a media statement Thursday that the Liberal government is only taking baby steps to address the crisis. He called for an emergency response plan packed with supports for workers. 'They're taking one small step after another, which won't make a meaningful difference and will ultimately cost many workers their jobs,' Davies said. Two weeks ago, when Trump increased the tariff rate, the Canadian Steel Producers Association — whose members include Algoma Steel, ArcelorMittal, Rio Tinto and Tenaris — immediately called on Carney to hit back with new tariffs and warned that Canada was being edged out of the U.S. market. They met with Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, who said on June 4 the government 'will take a decision but we need a bit more time right now — not too long.' Just before the cabinet meeting on Thursday, Joly acknowledged that the U.S. tariffs have left Canada's steel and aluminum industries in a state of emergency. 'We know that the Canadian steel and aluminum workers are very anxious and they want us to come up with a solution really, really quickly,' she said. The prime minister also announced Thursday the creation of two separate task forces for steel and aluminum that will meet to monitor the situation and advise the government. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 19, 2025.
