Description

Scammer approached home owner about chimney inspection. He went on the roof, showed evidence of loose brick work on the chimney. He made a convincing argument that immediate action was needed to avoid the chimney collapsing and damaging neighbouring property. They left their ladder and ropes to get onto the roof at residence and booked return date. Returned a few days later to start the rest of the work. They stated that the entirety of the chimney needed to be removed and rebuilt. He kept adding issues that needed to be fixed. He had a video showing woodworm rot on plywood decking of roof. He said that the roof needed to be removed and replaced. As well he said the siding was damaged with water getting into the wall due to cracks in the mortar. He stated that besides the roof, chimney, siding, the eavestroughs needed replacing. He also stated that due to the damage to the house, the homeowner would not be able to reside in the house until the work was completed. That instilled fear and urgency of how serious the problem was. It was later realized that the video was fake. They placed business sign on the property, they had a digital copy of the business licence. That they had 5 star reviews. He said he had a friend who was a building inspector for the city of Hamilton. The supposed inspector called homeowner to vouch for the fake contractor and gave the name of an actual city employee. The scammers had British accents, he (scammer) said the business was inherited after his father retired. He and his younger brother were onsite (he stated that one of the other workers was his brother). The scammers had brown hair and facial hair. The apparent owner had veneered teeth, British accent, stated he was 46 years old. He went by the name of John McGill. They drove a black Dodge Ram pick up truck with the plate number: CD 93363