LaSalle police are searching for a contractor who allegedly took a client's money and skipped out on coming back to even start the work. A warrant has been issued for the man being accused of defrauding a LaSalle resident of $1,500. He's wanted for fraud under $5,000. Constable Harbinder Gill says there's been one complaint filed. "The gentleman came out there, to his house, gave him an estimate," he says. "Then gave this contractor I think a cheque and the gentleman was supposed to come out and start doing the work and he never showed up. There were numerous attempts by the victim to contact the person who took the money." The man is supposedly offering to do pool installation work that doesn't get complete. Gill recommends checking the Better Business Bureau, online review sites and getting references from people you know when searching for a contractor. "Sometimes when you're looking for that deal you run into these types of people who are not there to provide you a deal, they're rather there to scam you," Gill says. He also recommends having an agreement in place with strict timelines. "I personally would not give any money until any work is done," says Gill. Police say the suspect doesn't live in LaSalle. Gill says police have been to his home, but haven't been able to locate him. The suspect's identity won't be released until he is arrested and formally arraigned.
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