Two brothers charged by police for allegedly defrauding Etobicoke home owners in renovation scam.
South Etobicoke residents are breathing a sigh of relief with the arrests of two brothers who are accused of ripping off property owners in a home renovation scam.
Police allege the two men were going door to door between June and October to speak to homeowners in relation to exterior home renovations.
The suspects claimed to be from a company called ‘Town and Country Paving,’ and falsely advised homeowners of issues with their property, officers from 22 Division alleged.
The men would normally request a deposit for the renovations and would refuse to complete the job unless additional payments were made, police said in a news release.
Police are warning homeowners to beware of fast-talking renovators and only hire established professionals to repair their homes.
The suspects are accused of leaving the jobs unfinished and properties damaged.
Police have issued warnings to alert the public about renovation frauds occurring across the city.
“Suspects typically solicit door to door, handing out flyers for fraudulent or non-existent companies offering services for roofing, paving and fencing,” according to officers. “The work is usually never completed or is substandard and done with poor quality products.”
Police said the suspects often target elderly and vulnerable citizens using high-pressure tactics to start work immediately.
Police warn seniors to be wary of unsolicited contractors going door to door using pressure tactics and demanding payment in cash, bank draft or a large down payment.
The scammers ask for more money and leave the home repair unfinished and cannot be found afterwards.
“Avoid impulse decisions to hire a contractor,” police warned. “Do your research either online, references or word of mouth.”
Police are urging homeowners to select a reputable company and obtain a detailed written contract before any work is done.
Some residents have taken to social media to also warn of a group of men going around the South Etobicoke area asking to do roof work since they claim to be working In the area.
“Please beware of a scam that’s happening in/outside the GTA and most recently in the Islington and Royal York Area,” one resident wrote on social media last month.
Domenic Ward, 30, and John Ward, 23, of Milton, have each been charged with two counts of fraud over $5,000, mischief and damage to property not exceeding $5000, mischief over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.
They were slated to appear in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, at 2201 Finch Avenue W, on October 6.
Investigators believe that there are more victims.