Ontario police warn public roof repair scam circulating
Police in Parry Sound are warning northern Ontario residents about a roof repair fraud scam believed to be targeting older adults.
According to Ontario Provincial Police, individuals claiming to represent a roofing company go door-to-door offering unsolicited repair services. The resident is then told that the company flew a drone over their residence and noticed damage and are willing to repair the roof, usually at a seeming lower cost than one would expect. They then collected a deposit for the work to be done and that's the end of the scam. No person returns to do any repairs. The resident hears nothing further from the company.
Scammers usually try to create a crisis atmosphere to try and pressure victims into complying on the spot.
Police say there are many ways people can protect themselves, including never signing any documents or handing over a payment without consulting family members or fellow neighbours when someone solicits at your door and never signing any documents or making payment on any deal when the salesperson states the deal must be completed immediately in order to move forward.
If the person at your door causes you to be suspicious, call the police.
"If you receive any unsolicited communication by any means asking for money to be given … be cautious and suspicious," the OPP has said in previous news releases.
If you think you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or your nearest police authority. You can also submit a tip anonymously to Crime Stoppers.
For more information on current fraud trends, visit that Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre's website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.