Several southwestern Ontario residents are out more than $10,000 after falling victim to a man offering chimney repairs he never delivered on.
Elgin OPP were called by a homeowner in West Lorne who reported being approached by a man offering to repair their chimney on January 8. The homeowner paid a $200 cash deposit for the man to return at a later date to make the repairs. However, the man never returned to the home and could not be contacted at the number provided.
While investigating, police determined the same chimney repair scam had been used to defraud several residents in Petrolia, South-West Middlesex, St. Clair Township, Brooke-Alvinston, Dawn-Euphemia Township, and the City of Quinte West out more than $10,000.
Investigators were able to identify a suspect and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
On May 23, OPP officers in Orilla got a wanted person's alert from the automated licence plate recognition system in their cruiser and pulled over a vehicle on Highway 12. The driver was identified as the man wanted in connection with the chimney repair fraud. He was arrested without incident.
A 50-year-old from Dawn-Euphemia Township is charged with seven counts of fraud under $5,000. He has since been released on bail and is scheduled to return to St. Thomas court on June 18.
Police encourage anyone who believes that they have fallen victim to a scam to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.