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How to Verify a Business or Contractor in Canada (Before You Pay)

Why this is critical

In Canada, hiring or paying companies without confirming their legitimacy is the biggest customer failure point.

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Purpose of this page

  • Educate the public

  • Reduce fraud

  • Position CCVSB as the national authority

  • Funnel users into your verification service

How to Verify a Business or Contractor in Canada | CCVSB

The Significance of Business Verification 

Thousands of Canadians lose money every year as a result of unreliable firms, unlicensed contractors, or dishonest service providers.  One of the best techniques to decrease risk is to confirm a business before making a payment. 

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Step 1:

Confirm Legal Registration

Verify the company's status as current and see if it is legitimately registered at the federal or provincial levels. 

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Step 2:

Verify GST/HST Registration

Verify that the registration number is correct and coincides with the business name if GST or HST is being levied. 

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Step 3: Confirm Insurance & WorkSafe Coverage

Make that contractors have current workers' compensation and commercial liability insurance. 

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Step 4: Review Complaints & Public Feedback

Instead of focussing just on star ratings, check for trends in unanswered complaints. 

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Step 5: Watch for Common Red Flags

  • Requests for upfront payment in full 

  • Cash only demands

  • Refusal to submit supporting documentation 

  • Strategies of pressure 

  • Inconsistent corporate names 

 

When to Request a Professional Verification

An independent verification report adds an added degree of assurance for high value transactions, economic initiatives, or scenarios involving safety risk.

 

CCVSB Note: This guide is educational and does not replace professional legal or regulatory advice.

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Common Consumer Scams and High-Risk Business Practices in Canada

Why this is critical

Government agencies struggle to update the public fast enough.
This page positions CCVSB as an early warning system.

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Common Consumer Scams and High Risk Business Practices in Canada

Overview

Scams and deceptive business practices evolve rapidly. Consumers should remain informed of common patterns used to pressure, mislead, or exploit buyers.

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High-Risk Practices to Watch For

  •  Keep an Eye Out for Uninvited Door to Door Services

  • False urgency (deals that are "today only")

  • Requests for gift cards or electronic transfers

  • Copycat business names

  • False internet reviews

  • Contractors declining formal agreements

 

Industry Specific Risks

  • Scams involving home remodeling

  • Fraudulent rental listing

  • Fraud involving automobile deposits

  • Impersonation in online marketplaces

  • Subscription traps for services

 

How to Protect Yourself

  • Check before making a payment.

  • Maintain written records

  • Steer clear of big upfront deposits.

  • Verify registration and insurance

  • For high risk transactions, ask for third party verification.

 

Reporting Concerns

Clients who observe suspicious activity should retain a record of all correspondence and consult the proper consumer help or regulatory bodies for advice.

CCVSB Advisory: Awareness is the strongest form of prevention

Understanding Your Consumer Rights and Where to Get Help in Canada

Why this is critical

When anything goes wrong, the majority of Canadians are confused of who to call. 

By employing this platform, ambiguity is decreased and CCVSB is positioned as a navigation authority rather than a regulator. 

Understanding Consumer Rights in Canada and Where to Get Help

 

Consumer Rights Overview

Federal and provincial regulations that regulate fair business practices, advertising, contracts, and safety standards safeguard Canadian customers. .

Common Consumer Issues

  • Work that is incomplete or of low quality 

  • Conflicts over deposits 

  • False representation 

  • Billing errors

  • Warranty disputes

  • Unsafe services

 

Who Handles What

  • Fairness in the marketplace: provincial consumer protection offices 

  • CRA: GST and tax concerns 

  • Workplace injury coverage provided by WorkSafe and Safety Authorities 

  • Licensed professions and regulatory bodies 

  • Unresolved conflicts involving small claims and civil resolution

 

How to Prepare a Complaint

  • Gather contracts, bills, and letters. 

  • Maintain an event timeline 

  • Steer clear of emotive words 

  • Present facts clearly

 

How CCVSB Supports Consumers

  • Documentation review

  • Evidence organization

  • Risk assessments

  • Guidance on appropriate next steps

  • Consumer education and verification services

CCVSB Disclaimer: We do not provide legal advice. Our role is educational and supportive.

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