Contractor faces fraud and forgery charges: Calgary police

A local contractor is facing fraud charges after he provided fraudulent invoices for a couple’s renovations in northwest Calgary, police say.

Officers explain the victims sought a general contractor for home renovations in December 2022 and hired 53-year-old Alan Wade Hrehirchuk, the owner of Envision Custom Renovations, for the job.

However, between January and April 2023, the victims had several alleged disagreements with the contractor, which included the couple receiving invoices for sub-contractor materials, several scheduling delays, and the contractor being tardy.

In April, police say the victims contacted them after discovering the invoices were fraudulent.

At that time, officers believed the contractor forged and altered invoices and then presented the documents to the victims as “sub-contractor invoices” and proceeded to collect payment through his business.

As a result, Hrehirchuk is facing five counts related to forgery, uttering forged documents, and fraud over $5,000, with police adding additional charges might be laid.

The contractor is expected to appear in court on Aug. 14.

Regarding the investigation, officers say they are working with the Service Alberta Consumer Investigations Unit.

“We are thankful the victims contacted police and came forward with information regarding the contractor’s behaviour which led to our investigation and our officers laying fraud charges,” said S Sgt. Colin Chisholm. “We encourage anyone who has suffered financial loss as a result of hiring a fraudulent contractor to contact police.”

Police provide tips for hiring contractors

Due to the reported incident, officers are asking people to be cautious when hiring contractors and are providing a few tips.

Ensure you are dealing with an approved contracting company that is properly licensed and insured.

Police say to ask whether the contractor carries liability insurance. While it is not required by law, if a company does not have this, any damage to property resulting from a renovation may not be covered by the company hired.

They say to ask for and contact references and have the contractor sign a written contract that includes a start date, completion date, full details of the work and materials, and the complete cost.

“Be cautious about paying for work or supplies before the work has been completed or the supplies have been delivered,” police say.

It’s also important to note that only contractors with a pre-paid contractor’s licence from Service Alberta can request a deposit.

Police ask anyone with information about this incident or similar incidents to call them at 403-266-1234 or leave a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.