Toronto Police are searching for suspects accused of deceiving a homeowner through inflated repair costs and a subsequent scheme involving individuals posing as a police detective and a judge.

Toronto Police Service investigators are seeking the public’s assistance after a woman lost more than $200,000 in an alleged contractor fraud and impersonation scheme in the Lake Shore Boulevard West and Royal York Road area. Police launched their investigation on October 5th after receiving information about a homeowner who had hired contractors to perform repairs on her property. Investigators allege the contractors misrepresented the amount of work required, resulting in costs significantly higher than originally quoted and substantial financial losses.

Following the repair work, the victim was contacted by a man claiming to be Toronto Police Detective Philip Spring. The caller told her that the contractors were under investigation for fraud, creating the impression that police were actively pursuing the individuals responsible for her financial losses. Authorities confirmed that Philip Spring was a fictitious identity and that no Toronto Police detective by that name was involved.

The woman was subsequently approached by another man identifying himself as Judge Stephen Firestone. He allegedly claimed that the investigation and related court proceedings required her to provide additional funds, assuring her that the money would eventually be reimbursed through the legal process. Police confirmed that the judicial identity was also fabricated. Believing the representations made by the suspects, the victim purchased and delivered multiple bank drafts worth more than $200,000.

Investigators have released descriptions of the suspected contractors, including a heavier-set man in his mid-to-late 40s, approximately five feet nine to five feet ten inches tall, with short brown-grey hair, and a second man, approximately 27 years old and six feet tall, with short blond hair and a bandage on his hand. Both were described as wearing casual clothing, including jeans and plaid shirts. The suspects reportedly used a black pickup truck and a rusty blue pickup truck. Police say the men spoke with accents described as British, Irish or Scottish.

The individual suspected of impersonating a police detective is described as a man in his mid-30s, approximately five feet eight to five feet nine inches tall, with short reddish-brown hair and a matching beard. He was last seen wearing a baseball cap and a heavy dark-brown jacket. Police have released an image of this suspect and say he also spoke with a British, Irish or Scottish accent, as did the man posing as a judge. Investigators are examining both the contractor fraud and the subsequent impersonation scheme and believe additional victims may exist. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Toronto Police.

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Originally published on Canadian Fraud News.