Guelph police report they have recently observed an increase in door-to-door scams.
"Similar scams are happening in other jurisdictions in Ontario as well. Typically, residents are pressured to purchase products or sign up for services they might not want or need," says a police news release.
Fraudulent tactics include telling victims their current products are unsafe or that the household might realize increased energy efficiency with the installation of a new product. High pressure tactics may be used, and the individuals can be aggressive. Often incentives such as cash back or efficiency compensation rewards are offered.
"The Guelph Police Service wants to remind residents that on March 1, 2018, Ontario banned unsolicited, door-to-door sales of certain household appliances to better-protect consumers from aggressive and misleading contracting at home. These rules apply to air cleaners, air conditioners, air purifiers, duct cleaning services, furnaces, water filters, water heaters, water purifiers, water softeners, water treatment devices as well as bundles of these products.
On January 1, 2017, Ontario banned energy retailers from signing up customers for an energy contract while at their homes to give consumers the ability to make choices about their energy supply at their own pace and with better information.
Know your rights under the Consumer Protection Act, available here Your rights under the Consumer Protection Act | ontario.ca
Residents can protect themselves and their family members in the following ways:
- Ask for photo ID and get the name of the person and company you are dealing with.
- Consider installing a camera at your front door to have video of any fraudulent transactions.
- Request documentation on all transactions or contracts and take time to educate yourself on the options available to you. Don’t feel pressured to make a decision on the spot.
- Research before you sign anything, agree to anything, or invest your money. Don’t sign anything without getting your own legal advice, and always read the fine print.
- Never share personal information or copies of any bills, financial statements, or other private information.
- Don’t let anyone enter your home unless you have invited them and/or you have taken steps to verify who they are. If you are unsure, seek assistance from a family member or friend.
- For contracts signed at your home, you have a cooling off period. Consumers in Ontario have the right to cancel a contract for any reason within a 10-day cooling off period. For water heater contracts, there is a 20-day cooling off period.
If you believe you or a family member may be a victim of a fraud, contact your local police service (the Guelph Police Non-Emergency line is 519-824-5154) and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501 or report online at www.antifraudcentre.ca. You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or report the incident online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca
