NEWS RELEASE
WATERLOO REGIONAL POLICE SERVICE
*************************
Waterloo Regional Police have charged a 33-year-old Hamilton male and a 28-year-old Oakville male with five counts of fraud exceeding $5,000 and five counts of possession of property obtained by crime.
The charges are in connection to a renovation fraud scheme where the accused parties purported to be in the business of providing debt consolidation and financial advice specifically to assist homeowners in paying out Notice of Security Interests (NOSI), commonly referred to as liens, held against their home.
It is alleged that the pair used high-pressure tactics and misinformation to convince victims to obtain multiple mortgages quickly, leveraging the home's equity. The money was used to pay out the NOSI's with all additional money being redirected to the accused companies, paying themselves consulting fees, lending fees, and charging the remaining amount in overpriced renovations.
Several victims across the province have been identified, including three in the Waterloo Region, one in Oakville and one in Welland. The total loss to the victims is estimated at $700,000.
The accused parties are scheduled to appear in court on July 26, 2023.
Homeowners are reminded to use reputable mortgage brokers and companies when obtaining a mortgage. If you are unsure what you are signing, it is important to seek a trusted individual or lawyer to assist in understanding the documents.
***********************
