Police say men posing as a detective and judge convinced the woman to hand over more than $200,000 in bank drafts
A Toronto woman lost more than $200,000 after being defrauded by men posing as a police detective and a judge following a dispute over home repairs, police said.
Authorities began investigating the incident on Oct. 5 in the area of Lake Shore Boulevard West and Royal York Road.
Police allege the woman initially hired contractors to perform work on her home, but was misled about the extent of repairs needed, resulting in higher costs than originally quoted and significant financial losses.
The woman was later contacted by a man identifying himself as Toronto police Det. “Philip Spring,” who claimed the contractors were under investigation for fraud.
Police said the name is an alias and that no Toronto police detective by that name exists.
The victim was subsequently contacted by another man posing as a judge named “Stephen Firestone,” who allegedly told her she needed to pay a large sum of money as part of the investigation and court proceedings.
The man claimed she would be reimbursed through the court process, police said.
Investigators allege the woman purchased and delivered several bank drafts to the suspects totalling more than $200,000.
Police confirmed the individual identifying himself as a judge was also using an alias.
Investigators are examining both the alleged contractor fraud and impersonation scam, and believe there may be additional victims.
An image of a suspect in the investigation. Supplied: Toronto Police Service
The suspect accused of impersonating a detective is described as being in his mid-30s, about five-foot-nine inches tall, with a medium build, short reddish-brown hair and a matching beard.
He was last seen wearing a baseball cap and a heavy dark brown jacket.
Police said the contractors and both impersonators spoke with British, Irish or Scottish accents.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Toronto police at 416-808-2200.