By Deanne Taylor
The Toronto Police Service is warning residents in the 31 Division area about a concerning roofing fraud and impersonation scam that is currently on the rise and leading to significant financial losses for homeowners.
In reported incidents, suspects attend homes and point out what they claim are urgent problems with roofs, chimneys, or other exterior areas. Homeowners are then offered repair services and may agree to initial work. However, as the job progresses, additional “issues” are suddenly discovered, and costs quickly escalate.
Residents should be aware of how this scam typically unfolds:
• Unsolicited contractors identify supposed urgent repair issues
• Initial work is completed, followed by claims of additional problems
• Costs increase significantly, often with pressure for quick payment
• Multiple individuals may return to reinforce legitimacy
• Victims are asked to make repeated payments for questionable work
What makes this scam especially troubling is a second stage. After a homeowner refuses to continue paying, another individual may arrive claiming to be an investigator from Interpol. Displaying what appears to be official identification, the suspect claims the contractor is under investigation. Victims are told not to speak to anyone and are pressured to provide additional money under the false pretense of assisting with the case.
Police are reminding residents that no legitimate law enforcement agency will ever attend a home to request payment or money as part of an investigation.
To protect yourself, consider the following tips:
• Be cautious of contractors who show up uninvited
• Always obtain multiple independent quotes before agreeing to work
• Verify contractor credentials through trusted sources
• Be wary of escalating costs and pressure to act quickly
• Never provide payment to anyone claiming to be law enforcement
If you have information about this scam or believe you may have been targeted, contact police at 416-808-2222 or reach out anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or online at: 222tips.com