A residential construction company in Alberta is warning residents about a scam involving fake letters claiming to be from the Building Industry and Land Development Association Alberta (BILD Alberta). These letters, which have been received by residents in the Edmonton and Calgary areas, are attempting to gain access to homes under the pretext of inspecting for a hazardous type of insulation called urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI). This insulation, banned in Canada since 1980, releases formaldehyde gas which can cause cancer. The fake letters include logos of BILD Alberta and the Government of Alberta, but both organizations have issued statements clarifying that they did not send out these notices.
CEO Scott Fash of BILD Alberta emphasized that the organization does not send letters to homeowners or conduct home inspections. The fraudulent nature of the letters is concerning, as they prey on homeowners’ concerns for their homes and the potential legal implications if they do not comply. The Alberta government has also issued a consumer alert warning residents that the letter is not endorsed by them. In response to the scam, realtors in the province have been alerted to be wary of any communications pressuring homeowners to act quickly or threatening legal action based on undisclosed defects in the property.
Realtors have advised residents who receive such scam letters to be skeptical and to pause before taking any action. The rise in scams across various communication platforms, including physical mail, highlights the importance of verifying the authenticity of any official-looking documents. Zachary Yuzyk of Clear Trust Mortgages emphasized that homeowners should not be held accountable for issues they were unaware of when purchasing their property. If residents encounter scams like these, they are encouraged to contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and report the incident to their local police department. This caution is necessary to protect homeowners from falling victim to fraudulent schemes that could compromise their safety and financial well-being.
In response to the widespread distribution of these fake letters, BILD Alberta has posted a consumer fraud notice on their website, clarifying that the organization and the Government of Alberta have not issued any such notices. The fake letters falsely claim that a mandatory inspection is required to safeguard residents’ health and may affect their ability to sell or maintain insurance coverage for their homes. By preying on homeowners’ fears and sense of responsibility for their properties, scammers are attempting to take advantage of unsuspecting individuals. The coordinated efforts from organizations like BILD Alberta, the Alberta government, and realtors aim to raise awareness about these scams and protect residents from financial and emotional harm caused by fraudulent schemes.
