Toronto senior loses $27,000 to roofing scam
A Toronto senior says she can’t believe that two roofers took advantage of her, despite knowing she was recently widowed and suffering from a painful disability.
“They are just ruthless. They really are and they just don’t care,” said Patrice Stephens-Bourgeault.
Stephens-Bourgeault saw a story on CTV News Toronto last month about two roofers accused of charging another Scarborough resident, Sita Dubeau, $158,000 to repair her roof, yet they left after receiving the money and without doing the job.
“I knew it was them as soon as I saw the story. I paint portraits and can recognize faces and it was them,” Stephens-Bourgeault said, adding, “My heart sank to know they were out there doing this to other people."
It was in June when the two men were walking through her Scarborough neighbourhood, handing out flyers to do home renovations, Stephens-Bourgeault recalled.
She said both men approached her smiling and they appeared kind and friendly.
"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,” she said.
Stephens-Bourgeault said when the men approached her, she was concerned about a leak that she may have in a small portion of her roof that was over her paint studio.
They quoted her $7,000 to do the job, but she said once they got on the roof they claimed it was in far worse shape and would require another $20,000 to repair.
“That's the same pattern they did with me taking off all the shingles and then saying they need more money. He wanted it in cash all up front,” she said.
Stephens-Bourgeault said she believes the roofers showed her fake pictures of her roof, something that Dubeau said also happened in her case.
CTV News Toronto reached out to Dubeau, who had given the roofers $158,000, and she said that Toronto police are continuing their investigation.
In both cases, the roofers used contracts that used the company name Homebuild Roofing and Masonry, which does not appear to be a legitimate business. The phone number on the contract is no longer in service.
It is now believed that two men were not using their real names and anyone with information is asked to contact police.
Stephens-Bourgeault said while the roofers did put shingles on the roof, she is not sure if any repairs were done. She also said a huge mess was left behind and she now has more leaks in that part of her home that she did before.
To make matters worse, Stephens-Bourgeault’s husband died seven months ago and she was recently diagnosed with stiff person syndrome, the same rare disorder Canadian singer Celine Dion has.
The $27,000 was going to help pay for her medical treatments.
"That money would have really helped with my treatments because the government doesn’t cover it,” Stephens-Bourgeault explained.
Always be cautious of contractors going door to door in your neighbourhood as you should always try to find a company yourself, get several quotes, check references and don't pay for work in advance.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Where should Canada look to improve its housing situation? The answer may shock you
Housing experts argue widespread adoption of government-supported affordable housing, the growth of alternative models like co-operatives and co-housing, and the increased use of advanced building techniques could all play a role in improving Canada's housing system.
Trump says he 'shouldn't have left' the White House as he closes campaign with increasingly dark message
Donald Trump, who said in Pennsylvania on Sunday that he regrets leaving the White House in 2021, is ending the 2024 campaign the way he began it – dishing out a stew of violent, disparaging rhetoric and repeated warnings that he will not accept defeat if it comes.
Guelph, Ont. woman says she was pushed to homelessness and 'thrown on the street'
For people living on the fringe of society, the line between the safety and security of a home and homelessness is very thin.
James Van Der Beek says he has colorectal cancer
The 'Dawson’s Creek' alum told People magazine in a statement published Sunday that he has colorectal cancer.
No strike notice so far as talks continue between Canada Post and workers' union
Canada Post says talks are continuing with the union that represents postal workers and neither side has given notice of a work stoppage.
U.K. prosecutors are mulling whether to charge Russell Brand over sex assault allegations
British prosecutors say they have been given a file of evidence from police about alleged sexual offenses by comedian Russell Brand and are considering whether to charge him.
Federal mediators on site for negotiations between B.C. port employer and union
Federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon says federal mediators are standing by and ready to help hammer out a deal in order to avoid a labour disruption at ports across British Columbia.
Winnipeg transit union raises concerns over violence after bus driver has gun pointed at him
The executive vice-president of Winnipeg’s transit union is raising concerns over an increase in violent incidents on buses after an operator allegedly had a gun pointed at him early Friday morning in front of police headquarters.
Trump wants to narrow his deficit with women but he's not changing how he talks about them
Donald Trump's campaign has used sexist and crude language, expressing alarm at the idea of women voting differently than their partners.