A man from Brampton is facing numerous charges after two seniors were defrauded in a roof and home repair scam.
Toronto police say in July 2024 two elderly people were at home when they were approached by “multiple males who presented themselves as legitimate contractors and workers for the City of Toronto.”
Investigators allege the victims paid for “roof repairs”, “mandatory backyard clean-ups,” and “emergency home repairs,” which were never completed nor required.
On Tuesday, Arashdeep Singh, 23, of Brampton, was arrested and charged with one count each of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence and possession of proceeds of crime under $5,000, two counts of launder proceeds of Canadian crime, and three counts each of fraud over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000. The charges have not been proven in court.
Singh was scheduled to appear in bail court on April 22.
Police say the accused used the following business names to commit the fraud: Xcellent Custom Homes Ltd., Friendly Masonry Ltd., and 17051450 Canada Inc.
Toronto police believe there are more victims and asking anyone with further information to contact them at 416-808-1400 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
How to avoid being defrauded
Toronto police are urging people to be cautious of unsolicited contractors identifying urgent repair issues, always obtain multiple independent quotes before agreeing to work, verify contractor credentials through independent sources, and be wary of escalating costs and pressure to act quickly to avoid being a victim of a scam like this.
“Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” they said in a news release.
Anyone who believes they area a victim of fraud should report the incident to local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting system or at 1-888-495-8501.
Members of the public can also find further information or file a complaint with the Ontario Ministry of Public And Business Service Delivery and Competition Bureau Canada.
