Toronto police warn of home renovation frauds in Beaches neighbourhood

Toronto police are alerting the public about home renovation frauds happening in the city's Beaches neighbourhood.

Suspects typically solicit door-to-door, handing out flyers for fraudulent or non-existent companies providing services for roofing, paving and fencing, according to a Toronto Police Service news release issued Wednesday.

The work is usually not finished or is completed with poor quality products.

Suspects often target elderly and vulnerable people using "high-pressure" tactics to begin work immediately, police said.

Police did not specify what these pressure tactics include, but said residents have no obligation to speak to a salesperson soliciting at their door.

"Residents are reminded to use caution when solicited for any service and not to share personal information with people unknown to them," police said.

To prevent fraud, police warned residents to be wary of unsolicited door-to-door contractors, especially those using pressure tactics and demanding payment in the form of cash or bank draft.

Residents are also advised to avoid impulse decisions when hiring a contractor and to obtain a detailed written contract, police said.

Victims of fraud can report incidents to police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.