Toronto police warn of roofing scam where suspects pose as fraud investigators

Toronto police are investigating an apparent roofing fraud scheme in which suspects posed as fraud inspectors to pressure a homeowner into paying for unnecessary repairs, then allegedly returned to damage the property when the scheme failed.

Between August 10 and August 17, a suspect attended an address near Mount Pleasant Road and Elm Avenue claiming to be a "fraud investigator" for roofing scams in the neighbourhood. The suspect told the homeowner that repairs would be free and that they would receive reimbursement for being a victim of a roofing scam.

When the suspect returned with a second person, the pitch changed: repairs were not free, but once the homeowner paid, a reimbursement would be issued. The homeowner declined the offer.

Between August 20 and August 24, investigators say the original suspect returned with three additional suspects and damaged the roof and fence without the owner's knowledge.

Police describe four suspects: a large male in a grey baseball cap and white polo shirt; a medium-build male with black hair wearing all black; a medium-build male with a brown beard in a blue baseball cap and plaid shirt; and a slim male in a grey cap and sunglasses.

Police recommend residents be wary of unsolicited door-to-door contractors using pressure tactics, to avoid impulse hiring decisions, to obtain written contracts from reputable companies, and remember they have no obligation to speak with solicitors at the door.

This scam activity follows earlier HOC reporting on roofing fraud targeting Toronto neighbourhoods, and reflects broader home-improvement fraud concerns in the city.