Exposing the housing heist that’s scamming seniors (Marketplace)

Some seniors in Ontario could lose their homes because of an elaborate scam that involves door-to-door equipment rental contracts, low-quality renovations and high-interest mortgages. CBC Marketplace meets some of the victims of the scheme and reveal the 22-year-old accused of being at the centre of the fraud.
#Housing #Scam #Seniors
00:00 - Intro
00:54 - Meeting some of the victims
06:55 - A lawyer’s perspective
08:15 - Shoddy renovations up close
13:22 - Police share an update on the investigation
14:38 - Trying to reach Canada’s Choice Investments
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HOUSING HEIST II
producer/director
STEPHANIE KAMPF
research producer
KATIE PEDERSEN
associate producers
CAITLIN TAYLOR
KATIE SWYERS
reporter
DAVID COMMON
editor
SIMON PARUBCHAK
camera
NORM ARNOLD
DAVID MACINTOSH
JOHN LESAVAGE
YANJUN LI
JOE FIORINO
additional research
NICOLE BROCKBANK
MATTHEW PIERCE
additional footage
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK
art director
DAVID ABRAHAMS
media management
ASTORIA LUZZI
social media producer
AMARA MCLAUGHLIN
colour correction
KYLE J. SMITH
sound mix
DANY TREMBLAY
project manager
VICTOR KERR
resource coordinators
MARC CORMIER
MEGAN BEECKMANS
SAM NAR
news rollout producer
JENNY COWLEY
packaging editor
BENNY KOSHY
packaging producer
LINDA SIBONY
promo producer
GREG SADLER
senior producer
TIFFANY FOXCROFT
executive producer
NELISHA VELLANI
FIRST BROADCAST November 24, 2023

[@scottlyall3383]

Amazing how fast the system works to take away innocent victims houses but not so fast to bring the criminals to justice.

[@josephdarchambault6264]

Always remember the conservatives are the de regulation party no rules or law for business thats the "freedom" they speak of. It's all in their slogan "Ontario open for business". Always remember for business not people

[@wjoseph-rx9mj]

It takes time to investigate

[@evobeshinsky4977]

Bank-stabers are biggest fraudsters, no wonder those frauds happen and banks allow em to happen 21:41

[@T_Dot94]

Capitalism babe. Money is more important than humans and even the earth in this system.

[@svc2461]

​@@T_Dot94true but the other isms are not any better

[@quicksilverb1]

how disgusting. scammers like this deserve life in prison

[@dwightsaunders6227]

Nope... prison is too good for them

[@Gerhardium]

Take a look at the Liberal caucus and you'll find plenty of them. My MP has illegally evicted renters from property he is flipping and he was welcomed with open arms. The corruption of the Liberal Party is breathtaking at times as is their reliance upon scaring voters with tall tales and legends...just like the Republicans and their 40 year long claim that NEXT TIME the Democrats are going to "take your guns." The Conservatives had a majority under Harper and didn't touch any of the progressive hot buttons but Liberals never let the truth hinder their propaganda.

[@Fenthule]

In gen pop, and the officers should inform the other inmates of their blatant elder abuse. That would go well for him.

[@123RADIOactive]

Not to mention they should be one of the first in line to medical experiments that might make whatever life span they have painful and hard to go through. And if it causes them to do the inevitable…… well….. let’s just say nobody should feel bad as scamming the vulnerable is never okay and should be treated like a piece of meat.

[@bolabocha3016]

These are mafias that have been operating for years, they have their own lawyers, real state agents and accountants with whom they share the income from the houses they have taken over. One of them wanted to cheat me in this way, but luckily, I saw through my eyes earlier and returned the entire loan to him earlier than he expected, and despite this, he still tried to trick me into it. These are people without scruples and they cheat not only older people, but also people who do not know the regulations or English, and there are a lot of such emigrants in Canada. The guy I know has been doing it for 20 years and hasn't been in prison yet. To solve this problem, the government should ban private "home equity loans." These types of loans should only be made by a bank, No 3rd party between

[@globalbutterfly]

I’m sick of seeing all the property-related scamming in this country. This is beyond sick, preying on those who don’t have the ability to fight back. We have to have better laws and enforcement to protect Canadians and put these scammers behind bars.

[@TheCatherineCC]

Or into ditches.

[@josephdarchambault6264]

@@TheCatherineCC Always remember the conservatives are the de regulation party no rules or law for business thats the "freedom" they speak of. It's all in their slogan "Ontario open for business". Always remember for business not people

[@ME-hm3tc]

Tell me about it. I had never seen so many scams until I moved to Canada from Scotland. Apartment listing? Scam. Job offer? Scam. Credit Card? Scam. I see more scams active in my everyday life here in Alberta than I did living in one of the most visited tourist cities in Europe.

[@Anttys_WeyTua_CTa_Eu986]

​@@josephdarchambault6264I cannot state, based on any fact, that the Liberals have been better. I think you mean the provincial Conservatives in Ontario, but regardless, judged on outcomes, the federal Liberals have been great for business and terrible for me and most people I know. They're both pro-rich people.

[@josephdarchambault6264]

@@Anttys_WeyTua_CTa_Eu986 you don't remember mullruin it or harpster or joe clark or alberta, all's cons do is cut cut cut and give the cuts to u and me to the top 1% and that will trickle down but as most know 2 things trickle down one on the front legs and the other down the back legs

[@MaryAnnCJ]

What kind of bank charges 25% interest? These institutions need to be held accountable as well.

[@bibittybobettyboo-uz2rf]

it's not a bank - it's private mortgage lenders. They are also a problem for people who don't have very good credit. People go to a bank, the bank says no but end up at a private lenders office and get a ridiculous rate. And they fall for it because they think it's the only way to own property...people are better off renting.

[@justanoman6497]

It's pretty common interest for an unsecured loan even for people with good credit and not uncommon on secured loan on depreciating asset(like cars) for those with bad credit. It's only completely unreasonable because house mortgage is a secured loan against an asset that is unlikely to depreciate. Those loans should have minimal interest(relatively speaking). Even for people with bad credit this type of loan shouldn't exceed 10-15%. Details matter, don't omit them.

[@dorotaazzopardi8718]

Can the lawyer who signed the mortgage be disbarred so they can’t practice and hurt anyone anymore? 😮

[@user-iq5ew4pq8s]

Or deported....I would assume this is not his first 'rodeo"

[@FM-jo1jh]

These "liens" and remortgages should all be nullified since it's all a scam!

[@Anttys_WeyTua_CTa_Eu986]

Liens against property title are easy to apply, and difficult to remove. You need to spend $$ on a lawyer. I agree with you, and someone needs to make it easier, put the onus on the lienholder to prove it's real.

[@teadott]

I agree, all those marriages signed at 50%, should be canceled.

[@aidenschvatkok5732]

I worry about my dad. He’s not gullible, but he’s too trusting because he is a good person and it doesn’t occur to him that someone would do things like this.

[@Lila22.11]

Try to talk to him, show him these videos, and if he wishes to find out how to protect his property, have him see an attorney.

[@markadler8968]

Contractors behaving like this is what gives the rest of us good ones a bad name. I don't understand how you can treat people so poorly and take advantage of them and do an absolutely horrible job at the same time. The people behind this should be doxxed, get sued into bankruptcy and be criminally charged.

[@Kurtos25]

I wouldn't even call them contractors with the work they do

[@Ketowski]

@@Kurtos25 More like the criminally inclined, or the nature of the business. Unsure which after seeing how many lean to the darker side.

[@Fenthule]

Yeah I too would love to know the names of these so called contractors to ensure more victims aren't preyed upon.

[@tashasharma6535]

If your houses are not leaking or even if it looks old and outdated inside it would be far better and less stressful to leave it like that.Seniors and disabled people watch out for 0:20 these evil monsters. Know who you let in your house .One Asian guy came to check my water tank and when I went down he was at my furnace. He said your furnace leaking gas and you will need new furnace. I can get you a new furnace on a monthly plan.My furnace never gave me problems and this is what he did .He broke something on my furnace and then called enbridge saying I have gas leak.In 2 mins another guy came in my house and said he is from enbridge concerning a gas leak.Before the other guy came in I saw this guy was waiting on the road.The 2 of them pre-planned everything to scam us .The price he gaved me for the furnace was like 2000 dollars more than the regular price.Watch out for these scammers, dont make them touch your water tank

[@marietaylor5174]

Plus, their photos should be posted everywhere within a hundred miles radius.

[@karinaclark6888]

These people are so cruel taking advantage of some of the most vulnerable.

[@Ketowski]

There has been a segment of the population that preys on the disadvantaged and less wary, unfortunately. They used to do it to seniors in other countries. Now they’re emboldened and have no qualms about doing it to seniors in their own country, as well. Encouraged by questionable movements that promote illegal activities.

[@bmiles4131]

Sociopaths gonna do what sociopaths do.

[@pdxincanada143]

Scamming an old woman with MS is sickening.

[@susanlett9632]

I have MS and people with MS have cognitive thinking problems. It's awful

[@brendamcdonall5798]

My solution as an 80 year old is that I do not answer my door unless I am expecting someone and then I look to check before I touch the door. As for my phone i don't answer when I don't recognize the number.

[@logarithmic7]

Sad. We're vulnerable as Canadians because the laws protect these people. Look at the 1.1 billion missing from Revenue Canada that was perpetrated by a carousel scheme, with money being funneled from Canadian taxpayers to fund criminal activities in Pakistan. Yet our government stands by idle.

[@j.w.2391]

Yup..."activities in Pxkistxn". Canada keeps on "importing" this problem. Not the first time mortgage scams and cyber crimes have emanated from that part of the globe.

[@moosedupont8633]

Because our Government is useless!

[@delia93010]

keep voting liberal

[@k.kaiser3997]

and arab crime group - google; sweeden gang crime etc.. or germany clan crime etc

[@logarithmic7]

oddly enough it was laws that were in passed when Steven Harper was in govt. Do not trust ANY govt they all need to be held accountable to Canadians. @@delia93010

[@22408aaron]

I'm from America, but it makes me so mad to see how these people are, and how little Canada is working to stop them from taking advantage of these people.

[@fremontpathfinder8463]

This is also happening in the good old USA. Lots of scams.

[@Ketowski]

It’s partly through national media that’s it’s being covered.

[@TheCatherineCC]

That's Canada in a nutshell, and it's not going to stop until we see an explosion in vigilantism.

[@Ketowski]

You aware of laws that are being implemented and steps taken t address this kind of thing in Canada?

[@asuraphreak]

@@Ketowski Marketplace is actually a great thing for us Canadians. At least those of us who watch it.

[@Sarahyangtoronto]

These scammers need to be in jail for good.

[@4799balaji]

Just makes my eyes teary to see those respectable seniors in such a dispirited, discouraged and helpless position. Can't even imagine the plight of those seniors. So sad!

[@bobinabuddy]

Land Titles should be blocking the filing of these mortgages against properties….red flag is the interest rate!!! These mortgages should be deemed void by the government NOW

[@patriciarobinson6081]

These scammers are getting these people's names addresses and phone numbers to prey on the elders; who is selling their information they too are culprits and should be held accountable too.

[@theflowpowa42oshow]

THIS THIS THIS!!!!

[@Ketowski]

@@theflowpowa42oshow Your culture supports it, unfortunately.

[@theflowpowa42oshow]

@@Ketowski what's that supposed to mean lil man. Use your big words.

[@Ketowski]

@@theflowpowa42oshow Acting like you’re bigger than others is overcompensating little man. It means that those who wave the banner of the bud, are part of a movement that denigrates seniors. Bro.

[@mandlas.4305]

Exactly. It seems someone knew the victims age, their incapacitations and the fact that they live alone.

[@Zwarhol]

It's scary to know how much harm can be done 'legally'

[@JasneetSingh]

Thanks CBC. Realizing that I’ll be getting old in Canada…made me sick to my stomach. God help these poor people.

[@Rockawaysiren]

And the saddest thing is that we will probably refuse good help from people honestly wanting to help us. All will be viewed as suspect and mistrustful.

[@delia93010]

keep voting liberal

[@marietaylor5174]

Unfortunately, its worldwide because people are everywhere.

[@RacerJuan42]

how does a 22 year old come up with this, let alone actually execute such a scam? It’s unfortunate that he didn’t put his smarts towards a respectable ambition.

[@user-ld6wo4rv8h]

Raised by a single mother.

[@user-pf5fo1xs1q]

with hacking tools and software that no one in Canada is aware even tho police have been told but just ignore anything that isn't a VCR being stolen by a crackhead running down the street that they can taser

[@david888a]

You know a lot of scams originated from India,right? Well known is the tech customer support scams,just google KZbin of scams from India,there’s tons of results. These scammers ported their skills into Canada n gave honest Indians immigrants a bad name. Check on your elderly parents regularly especially their finances. nothing is for free, there’s always a catch, so b aware.

[@meldawilliams1636]

Because it is Canada where everything and anything goes

[@DarkGhostHacker]

He didn't come up with it. This has been happening for decades. It's just that for some reason he got caught, where most others usually do a better job of concealing and going unnoticed. This is all old tactics and schemes.

[@jmacc9876]

Don't answer your door to any strangers, you can pretty much assume anybody soliciting for anything, that it's either a scam or a just a terrible deal. Same thing as when you screen all your calls from numbers you don't know. So many shady scammers and lowlifes out there.

[@davechaudhary]

If your mortgage broker is making tik toks of driving Lamborghini most likely doing some fraudulent business. My deepest sympathies for the victims. What a horrible society we have become when we can’t even protect our vulnerable elders.

[@frankstared]

It is the reality that today Canada is a place defined by rapacious capitalism and this is what that looks like.

[@delia93010]

keep voting liberal

[@HOOTwheelz]

@@delia93010 who do you think we should vote for instead? please, i'd love to hear the answer here.

[@gracietilert8952]

OPP failed miserably. And continues to do so

[@Ketowski]

It’s because there’s a lack of RICO laws and Canada has long been a haven for the criminally inclined. The current government has been working on it. Money laundering has been less since some laws put in place that FIPA made it more attractive for foreign launderers.

[@user-ld6wo4rv8h]

What do you expect when women are allowed to become police officers?

[@nibsniven3497]

@@user-ld6wo4rv8hAs long as we’re stereotyping, let’s claim that women are more literate than men. This makes them better for white collar forensics. Do you disagree?

[@user-hm4jm1cy7m]

why is it always the same group of people doing stuff like this and getting away with it?

[@alexjoseph1306]

Ayoub made his IG private now but the profile pic is still a Lamborghini. Absolutely shameless.

[@BBFCCO733]

No morals.

[@kjpraman991]

Sadly the legal system is such that it is more concerned with the welfare of the criminals than that of the highly unfortunate and vulnerable victims, particularly seniors.

[@JamieHumeCreative]

I understand your feelingsxabout that. However when someone is accusées who is innocent, that's when we see why the system is the way it is. It's,hardcto find that balance. It's devestating that it faits us at times and we make victims out of victims. But I still strive to see it holistically.

[@bmiles4131]

More like the financial system is so greedy that these mortgage companies process loans they know they shouldn’t have.

[@thomastolbert6184]

@@JamieHumeCreative,welcome to bidens criminal America!

[@Micsq4lv]

Revolting!!! Get the criminals responsible for this in jail now! CBC doing more than the government to help people.

[@jayshahu]

The people scamming these old people are scum. We need to look after our elderly better.

[@robinevergreen5373]

These contracts should be void, especially with Carl, he doesn’t have the mental capacity to sign ANYTHING. The government needs to swallow this one

[@TheGreatestHandle]

They need to go after the lawyers or noterys that allowed this

[@cynthiaslater7445]

This is the darkest side of capitalism. Politicians find it easier to support the crooks instead of protecting the voters and the most vulnerable in society.

[@danwake4431]

I once saw a judge show on tv, where a guy had loaned a woman some money and the payback terms were basically her whole paycheck. The judge said that the laws allow judges to nullify contracts that are considered too burdensome. If Canada had these laws, it would be easy for judges to simply cancel these contracts when it becomes obvious that a senior has been convinced into something they can't possibly pay.

[@vinceng8334]

I thought there were clauses in the contract laws that nullifies/ voids a contract when one of the parties do not have the mental capacity to under the contract ? @cbcmarketplace

[@teadott]

That's a show not real life.

[@JamieHumeCreative]

That's worth looking into.

[@JamieHumeCreative]

That still doesn't stop the criminals though.

[@BrodieChree]

You know at the end of Judge Judy when they list the "writers"... that's because it's fiction bud. Honestly.

[@SimRacingVeteran]

I don’t trust anyone who knocks on my door. I politely ask them to get off my property and we are not having whatever conversation they’re looking to have.

[@quinsorochan7833]

Unbelievable that kind of thing can even happen. How long can it possibly take to bring these people to justice and get the victims everything they lost back. This should should be prioritized! Our system has failed it's people big time.

[@misscridic]

I'm sick to my stomach. This makes me worry for my parents while I struggle to find affordable housing (rent) myself. Imagine owning a home in this economy and having it all go up in flames. You'd think there would be safety nets, precautions, solutions... I'm absolutely sickened.

[@lorpis8284]

I say stand your ground and force the bureaucrats to figure themselves out. It's obviously not legitimate so why should these people leave? Anyone who enforces it is just as guilty as the scammers themselves.

[@Astrotrucker]

This is crazy, government should catch this guy asap, and give those people there homes back

[@honkytonk2010]

OPP failed big time..Why didn’t they seize his passport?..policing 101 🤷‍♂️ if they seized his car you would think they would seize his passport because he might be a flight risk 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️..just saying

[@russiangirl532]

He is running another scam right now by a different company name

[@samibeau]

This is so painful to watch. How evil can you be to take advantage of the vulnerable 😢

[@erbz]

Time to make our seniors and vulnerable victims more aware of this and educate them on how to say No and what to look out for, this is a good first step.

[@Kittiesinclair5]

Cognitive deficits impair decisionmaking and memory, making elderly people want to be agreeable. So even when strangers tell them to ‘sign this paper’, they just do it.

[@sandra-RUOK]

Our gov also needs to stop giving government building contracts to the mafia style builders.

[@sandra-RUOK]

No Donald Trumps!

[@marksimons7974]

There needs to be a law that the only way a debt signature is legal is if you have at least 2 next of kin witnesses sign off as well.

[@lisab9541]

Next of kin may be hard to find, but people the homeowner knows and trusts.

[@myopinion6092]

need 2 independent lawyers and 2 other governing financial savvy law abiding people.

[@Anttys_WeyTua_CTa_Eu986]

I must be deceiving myself, yet having grown up here and now being fifty, I feel like there are many more people comfortable taking advantage of the less fortunate for personal gain. And this man, proud of it...The stocks. Tar and feather. Parade through gauntlet of rotten fruit. Shame him AND punish him.

[@Nazmisstar]

I am speechless... when did this beautiful country became the scammer's paradise! How could anyone get a 25% mortgage! Someone dropped the ball... we need to take a holistic look at how these are run and make it better

[@Doofus171]

I remember when I was little they used to tell all the kids crime doesnt pay. But as an adult, from what I've seen from reports and documentaries like this that .... yes, it does. The criminals walk away with millions and the victims are just left to suffer.

[@NLR759]

The solution is simple. Don’t answer when a stranger knocks on your door. The only thing they ever want is money.

[@pn4640]

Omg I am so sad to see this happening to older parents and grandparents

[@ba-abada.1586]

Why would even police let these scam go on, they should arrest they and lay charges asap.

[@peopledustcanada]

Should be life in prison for scammers. And any documents for anyone has to be reviewed by a certified person, maybe a lawyer, etc., as they would not put their name on anything that is not in the best interest of the client. Easy to pass a few laws but the government is not working for the common person.

[@meldawilliams1636]

Yes when once tough rules are in place Canada will be a better place

[@helenpoole8751]

This type of scam break my heart a little, especially when there is a face to the victim s. taking advantage of the vulnerable are so low. I hope the law works this time and someone pays.

[@user-gm2ih8ro8e]

How can someone do this to seniors and disabled people and live a life of luxury while seniors that worked all their life to have a home to live in it's taken away from scamers. This people that are scaming seniors with disabilities and others should go to jail for life. They don't deserve to be free.

[@on-site4094]

I always tell people everyone when someone comes knocking on your door it’s most likely a scam I feel bad for these elderly people sad

[@meldawilliams1636]

I do not even bother to ask or look who is at my door because people close to me will always inform me if they are coming, or if they come they will call my phone to tell me they are at my door

[@asuraphreak]

We have laws for that. It's called elder abuse.

[@Ketowski]

Yeah, for the rich or fortunate.

[@BobTheBob647]

The hard part is proving it. There’s nothing stopping someone who is 80 years old from entering a contract.

[@Ketowski]

@@BobTheBob647 Or DBs from manipulating or controlling to protect their corrupt associates.

[@asuraphreak]

@@BobTheBob647 If they're unable to decisions because they don't comprehend enough than I'd suggest power of attorney paperwork should be done to prevent this. Regardless, it's elder abuse and absolutely disgusting that it's even being debated. Shame on the prosecutors and law enforcement not doing adequate work. These laws are suppose to protect them, not be ignored.

[@BobTheBob647]

@@asuraphreak I just don’t know if there’s more to the story. Like some of these seniors had some credit card debt, borrowed money to pay off debts that got them into more debts. Just trying to have some level of scepticism when watching a news piece that uses dramatic suspense music when showing “the bad guy” and soft somber piano music when showing the “victims”. I don’t doubt there are real victims of fraud. It should be investigated. I’m just not sure if there’s not more to some of these stories.

[@mandlas.4305]

He's probably fled to his country of birth and would never return. There is probably no extradition treaty between the two countries.

[@Pammellam]

I think we need more details about how these scammers are contacting *ALL* these elders and what they are saying to them to get in the door and then to get them to agree to renovations. Then that needs to be publicized on TV and in the news. Their children need to know that this kind of scam is happening before they get to all elders. Some details were given about one or two cases, but I think we need more information about all of the cases. I have a feeling that the scammers probably knock on the door and say _“we will give you a free house check to see if your house is adequate for your disability”._ And then they go through the house and say _you need this or you need that or you need this renovation_ and go into some kind of sales pitch at that time. And they probably say there is no cost. That it is free. This is just my assumption because in one of the cases the homeowner was told it was going to be free. But is that true for all of the cases? Also in the case where the elder is definitely mentally incapacitated and cannot make decisions himself or herself, perhaps the children should do something legally making it impossible for the elder to sign a contract. So if he or she does sign a contract it can be cancelled. Also, it is obvious that many of these elders and their children are not communicating very much. Many of these elders have had the renovations already done and the children didn’t really know what was happening until it was too late which means the children are not going over there for visits all that often. If they were in contact them and calling them more often, they might find out about these kinds of contracts early enough so that they could be canceled without any penalties. Here in Japan, where I live, there are different kinds of scams against elders as well which take a huge amount of money. And one of the problems with these elders and getting them to not fall for these scams is that they take great pride in their independence and do not want to tell their children about what is going on. So they fall victim to the scams easily. Because of their pride.

[@divinecomedy0]

I don’t know how people sleep at night when they take poor vulnerable citizens and seniors for all they have. Why is law enforcement so slow. These folks who have been ripped off need to get their homes and qualify of life back. Make the con artists pay!

[@Ketowski]

Ask those involved in criminal culture, it seems as easy as breathing for them.

[@nibsniven3497]

Ask my brother. He stole most of my inheritance with the help of a crooked lawyer who has since been disbarred. Both of them sleep like logs because they are soulless psychopaths.

[@aprilchamberlain1677]

They don't have a conscious! They only care about money and nothing else!

[@ad8411]

The devil is living in people on this earth. Seniors and children are special to GOD. These scammers will riot in hell. Since these people were scam they should not lose their homes. But people have to realize nothing is free. Once you here free run and do not open your door to demons.

[@WoodstockG54]

The banks should take some responsibility for allowing the mortgages.

[@meldawilliams1636]

Exactly

[@woolymittens]

They are NOT bank mortgages, they are "mortgage brokers" - private lenders.

[@freespiritwithnature4384]

I feel sick to my stomach as a Canadian.

[@user-mt1eb4js4e]

Why Ayoub you would do such a horrific thing to these old vulnerable people huh why . How do you sleep at night ??living this lavish lifestyle and it’s not your money . You need to be locked up forever sorry . Shame on you

[@nibsniven3497]

They sleep like logs because they have no shame. They are psychopaths. My brother is one of them. He actually believes that it’s natural for the weak to be exploited by “the strong”. His marriages ended in bitter divorces and his children hate his guts, but he hasn’t figured out why. He thinks he’s just misunderstood.

[@brendamcdonall5798]

He feels fine about what he is doing because he comes from a country where this behavior is part of the culture.

[@kcgunesq]

I never understand why scammers insist upon flashing money and possessions on social media. I'm glad they do, as it definitely helps expose them, but I don't understand it.

[@briandurance1542]

My wife & son were getting scammed online for a dog, made a trip to Ottawa to pick up the dog. Only to find a empty house for sale. Took her straight to the Ottawa police, she was told she should be more careful.

[@thehappywanderer6469]

That was horrible the police blame your wife for being scammed. That is victim shaming like it is your fault you became a victim. Isn't it the police job to recognize criminals and go after it for the devious, nasty, very well thought out planning criminals put into not getting caught. How is anyone supposed to know a scam when they are basically set up. That is where the police are supposed to come in and stop scams before they start. They act like their hands are tied? I am so mad hearing stories like yours. It isn't just the money that hurts it they go off laughing to do it again. Where is justice? Sorry this happened to you guys.

[@Dremin2009]

If you're not competent to sign the documents the courts should tear them up if you bring the case to them

[@Glory-to-God.]

This is one of the most disgusting crimes committed by very wicked people. Let's pray that God will catch up with them in no time.

[@blurtam188]

Greg did work dealing with unscrupulous contractors for my mom. He's great!

[@fredthomson2384]

Before signing anything as a senior I have a established relationship with a lawyer, a financial adviser and a accountant, and if you can’t afford these I am sure you can find in any major city senior advocacy groups that can help.

[@NLR759]

It’s actually even easier than that. Don’t answer the door when a stranger knocks. The only thing they ever want is your money.

[@lesleyhubble2976]

@@NLR759true my mum doesn’t let any one who knocks at the door in her house

[@nogunnofear6703]

In Alabama anyone of diminished capacity even if it's from drinking cannot be held liable for a contract. People that prey on elderly people with diminished capacity should be locked up for about 40 years without parole and that would probably put a stop to this outrage.

[@murphyrod4839]

I’m always extremely skeptical about literally anyone using the word “Free” or the word “Low Cost” because it’s a lie, I don’t trust anyone except my wife and 2 other people, I don’t trust my sibling. I know everyone is out for something, and I have never been scammed as a result.

[@patriciabrant8037]

I am the same I don't trust anyone. I don't answer the phone or text. Of people I don't know. Then I block them.

[@spootnik00]

You can find him in Brownpton

[@SV-du2pf]

Great job CBC-Marketplace on exposing the scam. These scumbag scammers need to be held accountable and put in jail.

[@SPLToronto]

He must get caught, have all his money confiscated and thrown in jail.

[@mangotwiss]

absurd that the Canadian government has failed Seniors. SHAME ON YOU CANDIAN GOVERMENT. Seniors deserve better

[@BlowinbubblesB]

Sadly it’s people like this who make some Canadians oppose immigrration. And while these people only represent a tiny portion of the wonderful people making Canada home, it’s like the old saying… “It only takes one bad apple to ruin the whole barrel…”. Please…. Those who can, make the changes we need to protect the most vulnerable among us….

[@meldawilliams1636]

The one bad apple is turning into many nowadays

[@cynicannkeel8899]

Just when I think I've heard about the scummiest behaviors I think could exist, someone comes up with ever more inhumane, disgusting scams. Nothing like pulling the economic rug out from older people who have no way of raising the funds they need to pay back the liens that have been applied against homes they own for the "free" renovations. Instead of tossing these scumbags in prison, I suggest they be sentenced to spending the remainder of their lives working to pay off the liens they burdened elderly people with.

[@belkahakim1225]

The government should step up and recover the victims urgently

[@andyross4856]

Pathetic- CANADA 🇨🇦 has to address this maddening problem

[@kimberleebrackley2793]

Great reporting. The greed is utterly disgusting. This is predatory targeting. These actions usually doom the end years of someone already struggling with life. Disgusting!

[@sueharvey4747]

I’m in the UK watching this - it brought me to tears and then anger about how these dreadful people get away with targeting vulnerable individuals !

[@Anttys_WeyTua_CTa_Eu986]

Liens are easy to apply to land titles, and very difficult to remove. You will need a lawyer, which itself is costly.

[@bernardocastro1046]

Brampton

[@althunder4269]

Yeah, Always the same suspects...

[@RahulSaini-du9vg]

Khalastani

[@kakjhal]

​@@RahulSaini-du9vg Ankit Jain sounds more like a Hindustani & Anas Ayyoub sounds more like a Pakistani 😂 Desi people shoveling sh!T on their own people - never gets old 😅

[@Webinthamind]

Canada is not a high trust society anymore, heartbreaking

[@manbtm1]

Yes, could it possibly be majorly attributable about who is entering the country anymore and their lack of ethics and morality? Think about it

[@meldawilliams1636]

@@manbtm1 Yes

[@brendamcdonall5798]

Trust has disappeared as immigration from certain countries has increased.

[@kehidupankanada]

I'm so sympathy with this victims for getting trick by cheater & scammers

[@elmolewis9123]

Marketplace is a National Treasure, yet so many Canadians aren't aware of that fact.

[@Rambone72]

In 2015, CBC cost taxpayers $1.04 billion and its fiscal burden is set to jump by $75 million in 2016 and $150 million in 2017. Oh what a treasure.

[@johnflynn6140]

how in the hell is this allowed to happen to the most vulnerable people? in our society, these people need to be thrown in jail for a long time. My wife and I have both our moms living with us and they are elderly, someone could take advantage of them in this way. These mortage/s shouldn't be legal these people are not able to make those decisions for themselves and when signed falsely IE they dont know what they are signing, how in the F is this legal in any way, at 25% mortgages all the agents/brokers and lawyers should lose their licenses or be disbarred, no one in there right state of mind would signed a mortgage at 25%, the fact there were lawyers and agents involved and they didn't stop this shows that they are in on the scam. Disgusting

[@davidbeckenbaugh9598]

David Seems like such a kind, caring person. He is in the right job for him, trying so desperately to help these folks keep their homes.... Thank you, David and CBC Marketplace.

[@Noeditbutton]

What country is this scammer from

[@MelissaThompson432]

There is a different, but similar, epidemic in the US that afflicted my family. My sister got a banker to lend her money on my mother's property, on my sister's signature, when my sister didn't have power of attorney; she never paid a payment. My mother's home went into foreclosure; and a helpful lawyer told me I wasn't going to find a lawyer who would help me sue the banker, because lawyers work for banks. They won't go after cheaters who are also their clients. That particular lawyer didn't have a client who was a banker, but he had a partner who had a client who was part of the same umbrella corporation as the banker who stole my mother's home.

[@jlpetley]

1 nothing is free. 2 if they approach you, tell them to sling their hook. 3 sign nothing in their presence and get paperwork checked.

[@wesdowling1340]

Lets guess who the thieves are and where their from

[@ricknelsonm]

But they can come from anywhere too,

[@user-pf5fo1xs1q]

we all have no words anymore, immigration only makes sense when it works, why are we throwing away our way of life to try to grow Canada as if it were a tech company with growth rate goals and the ability to scale infinitely, Canada is not a web server with infinite cpu, this has to stop

[@rehangul6587]

Professor you are a brave and kind hearted man. May God bless you and your family. You really care for the drivers as your family. ❤

[@y2khera]

despicable

[@ThePatriotDragon]

Can the mortgages be waived because of fraud?

[@nibsniven3497]

First the crown has to charge and convict the crook. Then you have to file and win a lawsuit against the creditor. The only way to do that is to prove that the crook and the creditor colluded to commit the fraud. Good luck! Probably the easiest way to have the debt forgiven is to persuade the creditor to eat the loss, usually by shaming them into converting a PR nightmare.

[@moonmissy]

@@nibsniven3497Wow, that’s awful for the average person never mind vulnerable seniors.

[@MikeFoster-sy8jl]

Just shows how many people aren’t doing their jobs.. This needs to be stopped. Punishment for scamming should be 25 to life… or worse

[@sneakersize1057]

This broke my heart to watch

[@danelcutler6467]

These braves seniors who told the public warning them, so brave

[@davidfoltz8922]

Every contract is supposed to say, "in sound mind"! If they are/do not, then why are the contracts legal?

[@user-pf5fo1xs1q]

News flash: Ontario has become third world

[@Ms.Byrd68]

Don't get ANYTHING for your home that YOU cannot afford to pay for!!! If you want a RENOVATION but do not have the cash on hand, get YOUR OWN LOAN via REPUTABLE lenders and pay for your RENO yourself or DO WITHOUT! Keep your home in GOOD REPAIR and SETTLE for that condition!

[@cynicannkeel8899]

I hope there's some way the people who are elderly, disabled who are now burdened with overwhelming debt are given some relief so they don't have to wake up every morning worrying whether they'll have their homes taken from them.