Suspicious incident, Men targeting seniors to offer fraudulent home repairs

Suspicious incident, Men targeting seniors to offer fraudulent home repairs

Wednesday, September 25, 2019 - 5:00 PM
53 Division:  416-808-5300

The Toronto Police Service would like to advise the public of a fraudulent scheme targeting seniors.

On Tuesday, September 24, 2019, police were called to the area of Bayview Ave and Blythwood Road.

It is reported that:

- one to three men were approaching homes occupied by seniors and convincing them that they need roof, driveway, or some sort of home renovation

- the men provided a list of repairs and usually quoted a price

- after allegedly starting some repairs, the men prepared a list of more work required and increased the price before demanding payment

- the men accepted mostly cash and go with the victim to a nearby bank machine to withdraw money and take the payment

- it is believed that no actual repairs are required or completed

The men are described as follows:
Suspect #1: white, 5'10", short dark hair, medium build and with a heavy Scottish accent
Suspect #2: white, 5'10", fair skin, athletic build, blue eyes and with a heavy Scottish accent
Suspect #3: white, 5'10", late thirties, dark short hair and muscular build

They may be driving a white van or truck.

Police are encouraging people to be extra cautious if approached for unsolicited home repairs and to phone police to report any suspicious solicitation for home repairs.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Staff Sergeant Scott Bradbury. 53 Division