News Release

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance with a Personating a Police Officer and Fraud Over $5000 investigation. 

On Monday, October 5, 2026, police began an Impersonation and Fraud Over $5000 Investigation in the Lakeshore Boulevard West and Royal York Road area.

It is reported that:

• the victim hired contractors to perform work on her home
• the victim was misled about the extent of repairs which were required which resulted in higher costs than quoted and significant financial loss
• the victim was then contacted by a man who identified themselves as a Toronto Police Detective by the name of 'Philip Spring' who advised the victim that the contractors were being investigated for fraud (Philip Spring is an alias and not a real Toronto Police Detective)
• the victim was then contacted by a man who identified themselves as a Judge 'Stephen Firestone' who advised the victim that the investigation and court proceedings required her to pay a large amount of money and that she would be reimbursed through the court proceedings (Judge Stephen Firestone is an alias and not a real Judge)
• the victim purchased and delivered several bank drafts to the suspect(s) totaling over $200,000

Investigators are investigating the contractor fraud as well as the impersonation scam and believe there may be more victims.  

The suspect description for the contractors are male, white, mid - late 40s, approximately 5'9" - 5'10" with a heavier build, short thin brown/grey hair, clean shaven, t-shirt, jeans, and plaid shirt. 

The second male is described as male, white, 27-years-old, 6'0", with a medium build, short blond hair, and had a bandage on his hand, t-shirt, jeans, and a plaid shirt.

The suspects drove a black pickup truck and a rusty blue pickup truck and spoke with a British, Irish, or Scottish accent.

The suspect description for the male impersonating a Police Officer is mid-30's, 5'8"-5'9" with a medium build, short dark reddish/brown hair, and red/brown beard. The suspect was last seen wearing a baseball cap and a heavier dark brown jacket. The suspect spoke with a British, Irish or Scottish accent. An image has been released of this suspect. 

The male impersonating a Judge also spoke with a heavy British, Irish, or Scottish accent. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2200.