Fish Assassin you definitely are not paranoid because there are tons of scams going on.
Market Place on CBC many times has hidden cameras that catch so called experts lying with the only purpose to scam the customer of their $$$$. Repairs that are not needed or if needed they are over charged big time.
From plumbers ,garage door repairs, swimming pool repairmen, on & on..
Makes ya wonder when tires are slashed or windshields smashed or veicles scratched with keys if a friend is trying to make some local business for shops in the area.
Mind ya the ones that do crime are already self punished. They have to look at themselves in a mirror.
One auto repair shop had 2 customers in one after the other & the mechanic(s) told both parties of repairing their leaky gas tank.
Easy to fool the customer as they squirt gas into the trunk & maybe a bit on the pavement.
What are the odds two owners would have needed that same repair?
Lost my trust in that outfit & looked for a dif. service shop.
In this world play it safe & lock up your toys.
Check the BBB.
One teen in Steveston just set his $1500 pedal bike on the side of McDonald's restaurant & was going to go inside & order.
I confronted him & shared that he should not be so trusting as anyone could jump on his bike & pedal away.
Well he had no bike lock so I became his personal security guard for 5 minutes. ( volunteered )
Be wise ,stay positive, be honest , as we can only live our own lives & hope others will chose the right way.
Evil & good in society.