Victim defrauded of more than $200K in home contractor scheme: Toronto police

Toronto police are searching for multiple suspects in an Etobicoke fraud investigation after a victim lost more than $200,000 in a home contractor scheme. Investigators say they began looking into reports of fraud and impersonation on Oct. 5.

According to police, the victim hired contractors to perform work on her home in the Mimico neighbourhood, near Lake Shore Boulevard West and Royal York Road. They say the victim was misled about the extent of the repairs required, resulting in costs that exceeded the original quote and causing significant financial losses.

Police said a suspect who identified himself as Toronto police detective “Philip Spring” subsequently contacted the victim, claiming that the contractors were under investigation for fraud. A second suspect then allegedly impersonated a judge, using the alias “Stephen Firestone.” Police say he told the victim that as a result of the fraud investigation and court proceedings, she would have to pay a large sum of money that would later be reimbursed by the court. The victim purchased and delivered bank drafts totaling more than $200,000, according to police. Investigators are probing both the alleged contractor fraud and the impersonation scheme and believe there may be additional victims. Toronto police say they are now searching for multiple suspects associated with the incident.