A man convicted of 16 counts of fraud under $5,000 for taking deposits on cedar sheds and planter boxes that he failed to deliver has been given a six-month conditional sentence and two years’ probation, and ordered to repay his victims.
Saanich police said that Bruce William Wood operated under the name C.B. Contracting and Labour and advertised on Facebook Marketplace from March to June 2021.
“His victims connected with him through the platform, contracted his services and paid deposits,” police said in a statement. “However Mr. Woods never completed the work, consistently provided excuses as to why he couldn’t and failed to return the deposits.”
Wood was arrested for fraud on Nov. 2, 2022 and sentenced on Oct. 4.
Police said it is important to do your research when looking to hire a contractor, and advised checking a company’s standing with the Better Business Bureau.
You should also avoid paying in advance and when possible use a credit card or PayPal for extra security, said police. Report any case of fraud, no matter how small, police said.
“Your report may be the key to discovering a series of frauds that help us catch the perpetrator.”
To report a fraud to Saanich police, call 250-475-4321.
