Toronto police recently arrested an 18-year-old man allegedly involved in a roof scam that cost a homeowner nearly $10,000.
Police said on April 25, in the area around Coxwell Avenue and Danforth Avenue, three men approached a homeowner pretending to be roofers working on a neighboring home.
The group claimed that they discovered some damage on the homeowner’s roof and offered to inspect it, to which the homeowner agreed.
After a man inspected the roof, the homeowner received an offer for $18,500 and gave the group a $9,000 deposit so repair work could begin the next day.
Why do people still fall for this type of scam? Giving a $9000 deposit to complete strangers and giving more cash/money… am I missing out??
— Marc Desruisseaux (@LeDesruisseaux) May 2, 2023
A subcontractor arrived the following day and began work on the roof. The man who created the original offer returned and asked the homeowner for $3,000 to purchase supplies.
When the homeowner returned with the withdrawal from the bank, the man was gone and was phoning the homeowner to hand over the money to the new crew.
After speaking to some neighbors, the homeowner became suspicious and called the police.
It’s hard enough getting a roofer when you need one because they’re so busy. I highly doubt any reputable roofing business does door to door sales. I can’t believe people are still falling for this scam. It’s not new. Use some common sense people!!
— DogVadersMom (@dogvadersmom) April 26, 2023
In a separate incident just three days later, three men in the area of Eglington Avenue East and Bayview Avenue allegedly tried to pull off a similar scam, but informed residents immediately called police.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found two men, one an “unsuspecting contractor” and another matching the description of the man involved in the first incident. The man fled at the sight of the police, but was arrested shortly after a foot chase.
Why entrust this job to a very, very young person? Sad.
— C77 (@Cate1771) May 2, 2023
In both cases, the men said they work for a company called CO Roofing & Masonry with a phone number of 647-767-0300.
Stewart Millet, 18, of no fixed address, has since been charged with fraud totaling over $5,000 and mischief – criminal damage to property in excess of $5,000.
dailyhive.com
https://dailyhive.com/toronto/toronto-teen-charged-alleged-roofing-scam
