Arashdeep Singh
Photo: Toronto Police

THE Toronto Police Service announced that on Tuesday, April 21, Arashdeep Singh, 23, of Brampton, was arrested and charged in a fraud investigation.

It is alleged that in July 2024, two elderly victims were at home when they were approached by multiple males who presented themselves as legitimate contractors and workers for the City of Toronto.

The victims paid for “roof repairs”, “mandatory backyard clean-ups” and “emergency home repairs,” but the repairs were never completed or required.

Arashdeep Singh has been charged with:

Three counts of Fraud Over $5,000
Three counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence
Two counts of Launder Proceeds of Canadian Crime
Possession of Proceeds of Crime Under $5,000

The male used the following business names to commit the fraud:

Xcellent Custom Homes Ltd.
Friendly Masonry Ltd.
17051450 Canada Inc.

Investigators believe there are more victims.

 

THE Toronto Police Service recommends the following to avoid being a victim of a scam like this:

Be cautious of unsolicited contractors identifying urgent repair issues
Always obtain multiple independent quotes before agreeing to work
Verify contractor credentials through independent sources
Be wary of escalating costs and pressure to act quickly

Prevention:

Be wary of unsolicited contractors going door to door, especially those using pressure tactics and demanding payment in cash/bank draft or demanding a large down payment
Avoid impulse decisions to hire a contractor. Do your research (online, references, word of mouth)
Select a reputable company and obtain a detailed written contract
There is no obligation to speak to a salesperson soliciting at your door
Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is
Learn more at www.tps.ca/fraud

Reporting:

These agencies and the Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes Unit are members of the Toronto Strategic Partnership, a multi-agency alliance formed to combat mass marketing crimes.

The Toronto Strategic Partnership members are the Toronto Police Service, RCMP, OPP, Competition Bureau Canada, Ontario Ministry of Public and Business Delivery, Ontario Ministry of Finance, Canada Post Security and Investigation Services, US Postal Inspection Service and the US Federal Trade Commission

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

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