Toronto cops warn of latest roofing scams targeting homeowners
· Toronto Sun
Police are warning homeowners in Toronto of recent reports of scammers posing as roofing contractors and then as international police agencies in crimes that have resulted in “significant financial losses.”
According to the Toronto Police Financial Crimes Unit, victims have reported men who have either Irish or Scottish accents showing up at their door and identifying alleged deficiencies with roofing, chimneys, or exterior structures such as siding.
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Victims are then offered services to repair the issues and they agree to the initial work.
“As work progresses, suspects claim additional issues requiring urgent attention, significantly increasing the overall cost,” police said.
Pressured to make more payments
The homeowners are then pressured into making multiple payments for work that is believed to be unnecessary or substandard. The suspects return to the residence or send additional individuals to back up their repair claims and ask for further payments.
In some incidents, after the homeowner refuses to make additional payments, a suspect arrives at the home and identifies himself as an Interpol investigator who displays what appears to be official identification and claims the contracting company is under investigation.
According to police, the victims are told not to speak to anyone and that they are under surveillance. At this time, they are also directed to provide additional large payments under the pretense of assisting or resolving the investigation.
“In some cases, victims have paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for work that was not needed,” police said.
Scammers are posing as contractors, claiming urgent roof or chimney issues, then increasing costs as “new problems” are found. In some cases, they even return pretending to be Interpol demanding more money.
— Toronto Police (@TorontoPolice) April 14, 2026
Remember: no police agency will ever show up to your house demanding… pic.twitter.com/7R7123qfbx
Investigators believe these incidents are coordinated and ongoing, and there may be additional victims.
Police will not ask for money
Police are advising the public that no authorities, whether local, national or international, will show up to residences in the city demanding money.
Investigators say the primary contractors are white males with an Irish or Scottish accent. In some instances, a suspect will appear with a heavy build, is clean-shaven and wearing dark blue clothing with a possible company logo. There is also a notable limp in his left arm.
An associated contractor is described as a white male with an Irish accent and red beard.
In addition, the male posing as an Interpol investigator is described as tall and white with a medium build and wearing a windbreaker and jeans. That person may display a lanyard with what appears to be official identification.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2222 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).