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

Why this is critical

This is the #1 consumer failure point in Canada: people hire or pay businesses without verifying legitimacy.

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

Why Business Verification Matters

Every year, thousands of Canadians experience financial loss due to unverified businesses, unlicensed contractors, or fraudulent service providers. Verifying a company before payment is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk.

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Step 1:

Confirm Legal Registration

Check whether the business is legally registered federally or provincially and confirm its status as active.

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Step 2:

Verify GST/HST Registration

If GST/HST is being charged, confirm that the registration number is valid and matches the business name.

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Step 3: Confirm Insurance & WorkSafe Coverage

Ensure contractors carry active commercial liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage.

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Step 4: Review Complaints & Public Feedback

Look for patterns of unresolved complaints rather than focusing only on star ratings.

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Step 5: Watch for Common Red Flags

  • Requests for full payment upfront

  • Cash-only demands

  • Refusal to provide documentation

  • Pressure tactics

  • Mismatched business names

 

When to Request a Professional Verification

For high-value transactions, commercial projects, or situations involving safety risk, an independent verification report provides an additional layer of protection.

 

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

  • Unsolicited door-to-door services

  • Fake urgency (“today only” offers)

  • Requests for e-transfers or gift cards

  • Copycat business names

  • Fake online reviews

  • Contractors refusing written contracts

 

Industry-Specific Risks

  • Home renovation scams

  • Rental listing fraud

  • Automotive deposit fraud

  • Online marketplace impersonation

  • Service subscription traps

 

How to Protect Yourself

  • Verify before paying

  • Keep written documentation

  • Avoid large upfront deposits

  • Confirm insurance & registration

  • Request third-party verification for high-risk transactions

 

Reporting Concerns

Consumers experiencing suspicious activity should document all communications and seek guidance from appropriate regulatory or consumer support organizations.

CCVSB Advisory: Awareness is the strongest form of prevention

Understanding Your Consumer Rights and Where to Get Help in Canada

Why this is critical

Most Canadians don’t know who to contact when something goes wrong.

This platform reduces confusion and positions CCVSB as a navigation authority, not a regulator.

Understanding Consumer Rights in Canada and Where to Get Help

 

Consumer Rights Overview

Canadian consumers are protected by federal and provincial laws that govern fair business practices, advertising, contracts, and safety standards.

Common Consumer Issues

  • Unfinished or poor-quality work

  • Deposit disputes

  • Misrepresentation

  • Billing errors

  • Warranty disputes

  • Unsafe services

 

Who Handles What

  • Provincial consumer protection offices – marketplace fairness

  • CRA – tax and GST concerns

  • WorkSafe / Safety Authorities – workplace injury coverage

  • Regulatory bodies – licensed professions

  • Civil Resolution / Small Claims – unresolved disputes

 

How to Prepare a Complaint

  • Collect contracts, invoices, and correspondence

  • Keep a timeline of events

  • Avoid emotional language

  • 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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