Toronto Senior Scammed Out of $27,000 by Roofing Scam
A Toronto senior has fallen victim to a roofing scam, losing a total of $27,000. The incident has left the community shocked and outraged, as the elderly are often targeted by scammers.
The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, received a knock on her door from a man claiming to be a roofing contractor. He offered to inspect her roof for any damages and provide a free estimate. The senior, who had been considering getting her roof repaired, agreed to the offer.
The man returned the next day with a team of workers and began the repairs. However, after a few hours, the senior became suspicious when she noticed that the workers were not using any safety equipment and were not wearing any company uniforms. She also noticed that the materials being used were of poor quality.
When she questioned the workers, they became aggressive and demanded payment for the repairs. Feeling intimidated, the senior paid the full amount of $27,000 in cash. The workers quickly left, leaving behind a poorly done job and no receipt.
It was later discovered that the company the man claimed to work for did not exist and the phone number provided was fake. The senior immediately reported the incident to the police, but it is unlikely that the scammers will be caught.
The victim’s daughter, who is also remaining anonymous, expressed her frustration and anger towards the scammers, stating, “They are just ruthless. They prey on the vulnerable and take advantage of their trust.”
This is not an isolated incident in Toronto. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, seniors are the most targeted group for scams, with an estimated $10 billion lost each year.
The Toronto Police Service is urging the public, especially seniors, to be cautious when approached by door-to-door contractors. They advise to always ask for identification and references, and to never pay in cash. It is also recommended to research the company and get multiple quotes before agreeing to any services.
In the wake of this unfortunate event, the community is coming together to support the victim and spread awareness about these types of scams. It serves as a reminder to always be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
The Toronto senior’s story serves as a cautionary tale for all, reminding us to be cautious and to not let our guard down when it comes to our finances and personal safety. Let this be a lesson to scammers that their deceitful actions will not be tolerated in our community.
