Saanich Police have announced the arrest of Bruce William Woods, a serial fraudster who scammed over $16,000 from 16 victims through Facebook Marketplace.
Operating under the alias C.B. Contracting and Labour, Woods allegedly defrauded customers between March and June of 2021 by advertising custom-built cedar wood sheds and planter boxes. After victims connected with him, they contracted his services and paid deposits, only to find that Woods never completed the work and failed to return their deposits, often offering excuses instead.
Woods was arrested on November 2, 2022, and subsequently convicted on September 23, 2024, of 16 counts of fraud under $5,000. As of October 4, he received a six-month conditional sentence, two years of probation, and was ordered to repay his victims.
Police emphasize the importance of conducting thorough research when hiring contractors. They recommend checking with the Better Business Bureau for legitimacy, avoiding advance payments, and using secure payment methods like credit cards or PayPal.
If you believe you have fallen victim to fraud, it is crucial to report it to the police, as it may assist in uncovering a larger pattern of fraudulent activity.