Toronto Senior Duped Out of $27,000

In a shocking turn of events, a Toronto senior, Patrice Stephens-Bourgeault, has shared her harrowing experience of being swindled out of $27,000 by two deceitful roofers. Despite knowing of her recent widowhood and ongoing health struggles, these scammers showed no remorse.

"They are just ruthless. They really are and they just don’t care," lamented Stephens-Bourgeault, whose distressing story echoes that of another local victim, Sita Dubeau. Dubeau fell prey to the same roofers, who defrauded her out of a staggering $158,000 without completing a single repair.

Identification of Offenders

Stephens-Bourgeault recognized the offenders after seeing their images on a CTV News Toronto report. She described her heartbreak, realizing that such unscrupulous individuals were targeting vulnerable members of her community.

The Encounter

In June, the two men had approached her at her home in Scarborough, distributing flyers for renovations. Initially charming and friendly, they quickly gained her trust. "They get your confidence first and make you feel like family, that they can help you," she recounted. “They are so smooth I think they could make more money as actors than defrauding seniors and the disabled.”

Concerned about a minor leak in her roof above her paint studio, Stephens-Bourgeault invited them to provide a quote. They initially estimated the repairs at $7,000, but once on the roof, they manipulated the situation, claiming the damage was much worse and demanding an additional $20,000. She stated, "That's the same pattern they did with me, taking off all the shingles and then saying they need more money. He wanted it all in cash up front."

Fraudulent Practices

Additionally, she suspects they presented her with fraudulent photos of her roof, a tactic Dubeau also reported. As investigations by Toronto police continue, both women are left grappling with the fallout of these acts.

Scammers' Identity and Operation

The scammers operated under the name Homebuild Roofing and Masonry, but further digging reveals that this business seems non-existent, given that the phone number listed on contracts is out of service. It’s believed that the men used aliases to conceal their true identities.

Consequences of the Scam

While the roofers did put some shingles on her roof, Stephens-Bourgeault expressed skepticism about any actual repairs being made. Instead, she has been left with more leaks and a mess than before. This distressing situation is compounded by personal challenges; her husband passed away only seven months ago, and she recently learned that she has stiff person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that affects her daily life.

The $27,000 she lost was earmarked for necessary medical treatments, which are not covered by government healthcare. "That money would have really helped with my treatments," she explained, highlighting the devastating impact of the scam.

How to Protect Yourself

To protect yourself from falling victim to similar scams, always exercise caution with door-to-door contractors. It’s critical to independently research companies, obtain multiple quotes, check references, and never pay for work upfront. Remember, your safety and security are paramount. If you have any information about these scammers, please contact your local police department. Stay vigilant, Toronto!