Seniors and other homeowners are being warned of roofing scams as the warm weather approaches.

Toronto Police fraud investigators are hot on the trail of a group of people who they claim are defrauding residents of the Greater Toronto Area in a cash-and-dash roofing scheme.

Police allege that between January and February residences were approached by a group of five men and a woman (in photo) who claimed to be roofers and City inspectors.

They advised residents their roof needed to be repaired or the City of Toronto will condemn their property, according to detectives.

Police say group members were given a deposit and began work. They claimed the roof required additional work and they needed more funds to finish the job.

Officers of 12 Division in a release allege the crooks obtain as much money as they can from homeowners and usually take off leaving the roof exposed or with holes showing.

The company names used were PROfix Roofing and T-CITY Property Maintenance, according to police, adding they were driving a red Ford F150 pickup truck, with Ontario license plate of BB10569 .
Police are warning homeowners to exercise caution when dealing with contractors who solicit business door-to-door in neighbourhoods. The public is reminded they should always verify the identity of a person or business before deciding to trust that person or business.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.222tips.com.