Toronto senior loses $27,000 to alleged roofing scam — claims ‘ruthless’ door-to-door contractors are ‘defrauding seniors and the disabled.’ How to spot the scheme and protect yourself now

“They get your confidence first and make you feel like family; that they can help you. They are so smooth, I think they could make more money as actors than defrauding seniors and the disabled,” Patrice Stephens-Bourgeault told CTV News.

She realized she might be a victim after reading the story of Sita Dubeau, a vulnerable senior living in Scarborough, who claims she paid $158,000 to roofing contractors, who vanished after receiving the money and without doing any work.

Here’s how to spot these scams and protect yourself and your wallet from fraudsters.

How to spot roofing scams

Both Stephens-Bourgeault and Dubeau were told their roofs were in poor condition, prompting them to hand over tens of thousands for repairs.

Additionally, both homeowners were given what authorities believe were fake photos purporting to show shingles and tiles on their roofs.

These are just a few tricks scammers employ to get you to open your wallet. And while it may seem easy to spot these tactics, it is worth noting that these are not your average door-to-door tricksters — their methodology is meticulously planned and executed.

It starts with building trust by posing as friendly and honest contractors. After your guard is down, the second stage begins by exploiting any reasonable homeowners’ fears through fictitious tales of urgent repairs that are needed to avoid potential leaks or, worse, a collapse.

The so-called “roofers” may or may not perform some minimal work to avoid immediate suspicion, but once they gain access, that’s when the nightmare begins, as it did in the case of Stephens-Bourgeault. She instructed the contractors to inspect a possible leak in a small area, only for them to rip off all the shingles and claim the exterior was in horrible shape.

For Stephens-Bourgeault, this could not have come at a worse time.

The $27,000 she paid was slated to cover the cost of medical care for a rare disease. The police are now investigating the matter, and the public is urged to contact authorities if they have any pertinent information related to the case.

Protect yourself from fraudsters

For homeowners residing in Canada, the latest estimates suggest costs for roof replacement can vary anywhere between $5,000 to $12,500, according to Niagara RoofMasters.

For a larger project, CD Roofing estimates that number can rise to $15,000 for a 2,000-sq.ft. roof. Both estimates are notably lower than the $27,000 and $158,000 charged to Stephens-Bourgeault and Dubeau, respectively.

While no one likes pesky fees associated with damaged roofs, neglecting proper maintenance may lead to higher costs down the road. For instance, a damaged roof can help create a haven for mould and mildew to grow, which could trigger allergies or breathing problems. Furthermore, even small leaks can allow water, especially during colder months, to seep inside the house and damage walls, insulation and electrical systems, which could lead to significant costs.