UPDATE: Police lay additional charges in renovation and repair scam
Police have laid additional charges against a man accused of defrauding seniors through a renovation and repair scam.
Throughout the summer, a man has been approaching seniors at their homes and offering to complete small renovation or repair jobs. The man is described as white, with a bald head, crooked teeth and clean shaven. He speaks with a Newfoundland accent and has used several false names, including John Andrews, John, Robert Squires, Andrews and Bob Andrews. He collects a deposit but does not return to complete the service.
On September 15, police arrested and charged James Robert Dwyer, 65, with:
- Fraud under $5000.00 (x4)
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000.00 (x4)
- Mislead police by diverting suspicion
- Fraudulent or misleading receipt
Since that time, more victims have been identified and further charges have been laid.
On September 23 Dwyer was charged with:
- Fraud under $5000.00 (x11)
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000.00 (x11)
Dwyer appeared in Halifax provincial court on September 24 to face the additional charges.
The investigation is ongoing.
Police advise the public to be wary of contractors who go door-to-door to solicit business. Always verify a contractor’s credentials before entering into a service agreement and avoid paying for services upfront, where possible.
Anyone who has been a victim of fraud can report it by contacting police at 902-490-5020. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling toll-free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or using the P3 Tips App.
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Police lay charges in renovation and repair scam
Police have charged a man for defrauding seniors through a renovation and repair scam.
Between July 8 and August 18, 2025, officers responded to four reports of a man approaching seniors at their homes and offering to complete small renovation or repair jobs. The suspect collects a deposit but does not return to complete the service. In some instances, the suspect asked victims for additional cash advances to cover materials and permits. The suspect also provided fraudulent receipts that were signed with a false name.
On September 15, officers arrested James Robert Dwyer, 65, without incident.
Dwyer appeared in Halifax provincial court on September 16 to face charges of:
- Fraud under $5000.00 (x4)
- Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000.00 (x4)
- Mislead police by diverting suspicion
- Fraudulent or misleading receipt
Dwyer has been convicted of similar crimes in Newfoundland.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone who has been a victim of fraud can report it by contacting police at 902-490-5020. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling toll-free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or using the P3 Tips App.
You can report a fraud where you haven’t been a victim to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, or call 1-888-495-8501.
More information and fraud prevention tips are available at:
