Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) has arrested two men who allegedly defrauded an Ajax resident of $18,000 as part of a sophisticated roofing scam. Investigators believe the perpetrators may have targeted other victims.
On Wednesday, October 8 West Division officers responded to a fraud complaint in the area of Clements Road West and Monarch Avenue in Ajax.
The victim initially contacted a roofing company found online. Suspects attended the victim’s home for an agreed-upon roof repair.
After an inspection, the suspects claimed the work would cost $$18,000, which the victim paid. They then abruptly demanded an additional $$50,000 for “further repairs”, claiming the work had already been completed.
The victim grew suspicious and contacted a claims adjuster. The adjuster inspected the roof and concluded that the repair costs demanded by the company did not reflect the minimal work that had been done. Police arrived shortly thereafter and took both males into custody without incident.
Investigators have since determined that the company is not a legitimate company. The business was operating a website. The name of the company, its website and the names and images of the suspects are available at www.drps.ca.
Foreign Scammers
Both men, who are from overseas, have been charged with Fraud Over and have been held for a bail hearing.
The arrested individuals are a 24 year old male from Ireland and another 28 year old male from Great Britain.
Given the nature of the fraud and the use of a deceptive company name, investigators are concerned there may be other victims who have been targeted by these individuals or this company.
Anyone who has been victimized is urged to contact Det. Tisi of the Financial Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5279.
Editor’s Note: Durham Post does not name or identify the accused as:
1. Of this time, they are suspect[s] and not convicted by a court, and
2. Sometimes charges are amended or dropped.