Two Mississauga men facing fraud rap amid home renovation probe

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Police arrested two men recently in connection with an investigation into home renovation fraud.

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Toronto Police said on Sunday night that two men went door to door between March and September offering “unsolicited renovation services,” Const. Ashley Visser said in a news release. The men allegedly used deceptive and high-pressure tactics to book roofing and masonry jobs, for which they were paid.

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“The renovations never were completed and the suspects often caused damage to the victim’s property,” Visser said.

William Quilligan, 53, and Dermot Quilligan, 43, both of Mississauga, were arrested and charged with three counts each of fraud over $5,000 and fraud under $5,000 and two counts each of mischief/damage to property not exceeding $5,000, among other offences.

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Police asked anyone with information about the case to contact them at 416-808-1200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or 222tips.com.

Toronto Police also reminded people to be wary of unsolicited contractors going door to door, especially if they use high-pressure tactics and demand cash payments in advance. Police recommended avoiding impulse decisions to hire contractors, doing research, selecting a reputable company and obtaining a detailed written contract.

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“There is no obligation to speak to a salesperson soliciting at your door,” Visser said. “Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Victims of fraud can report incidents to local police or to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre online or by phone at 1-888-495-8501.

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