Windsor seniors targeted in contractor scam

CTV News

5 days ago

After two separate contractor scams targeting seniors, police are searching for five suspects.
The first incident, on July 11, was reported by a bank employee after an elderly woman withdrew $13,000 for roofing work and returned several days later to retrieve another $13,000.
The woman was driven to the bank in the 3700 block of Tecumseh Road East by a man who identifies as 'Mark Bignam.' Police say he's a white male, 30-40 years old, average height and build, wore a yellow construction vest and drove a red pickup truck.
The second incident occurred on July 15, when a grey pickup was seen at a residence in the 1200 block of McEwan Avenue.
A male removed shingles while an elderly person was away, and when the homeowner returned, he allegedly said urgent repairs were needed.
On July 16, the pickup returned along with a female passenger.
A second truck arrived with two male suspects. They drove the homeowner to the bank, and he withdrew $10,000. The suspect attempted to withdraw $5,000 from a second bank but the transaction declined.
After dropping the homeowner off and promising to complete the job, the suspects never returned.
The four suspects are described by police as:
Suspect #1: White male, approximately 20 years old, wearing a yellow reflective construction shirt, tan cargo shorts and brown boots.
Suspect #2: White male, approximately 30 years old.
Suspect #3: White male, late 30s, very heavyset with a large stomach.
Suspect #4: White female (no further description).
There is no confirmation if the incidents are related. Police urge the public to speak with family members and friends about the scams and are asking for any relevant information.