NEWS RELEASE
WATERLOO REGIONAL POLICE
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Waterloo Regional Police have arrested a 32-year-old Pickering male and have charged him with eight counts of fraud exceeding $5,000.
Through investigation dating to late last year, police determined that the accused targeted vulnerable homeowners throughout Waterloo Region and Ontario.
The accused allegedly told homeowners they had been awarded money due to a lawsuit against HVAC companies for HVAC contracts they had previously entered into for various products, including air conditioners, furnaces, HEPA filters, and water filtration systems.
Homeowners were then informed that they could only receive their money through home renovations. A series of high-pressure tactics were used to have victims sign contracts.
The accused arranged to have contractors attend victims' homes where quick and often poor-quality renovations were completed.
Through the following days or weeks, the accused would then register Notice of Security Interest (NOSI) titles on the homeowner's property for amounts ranging between $40,000 and $70,000.
The total potential loss is valued at approximately $1 million.
Homeowners are reminded to be very cautious about any door-to-door solicitation and not sign any contracts they are unsure of. If you feel you may currently be in a contract, it is recommended that a title search be done so that any outstanding and unknown NOSI can be addressed.
The accused is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 10, 2023.
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