According to the Niagara Regional Police, they have received complaints from members of the public regarding the conduct of various door-to-door sales people. Many legitimate businesses seek customers through door-to-door sales and provide quality services. Unfortunately, there are some sales people that utilize high-pressure pitches and mislead consumers with their approaches often claiming to be affiliated with a well-known utility provider or local government department. Others offer services for minimal prices and often the quality of work is in line with the price paid. In some cases, a cash deposit is given and the work never performed. There are groups that target seniors offering services at what seems to be a reasonable price but once the work commences the amount of work and cost increases dramatically.
These incidents can range from civil disputes to outright fraud. The Ontario Consumer Protection Act provides consumers a number of rights when making purchases in their homes. For more information about your rights when purchasing items or Services at your home please refer to the Ministry of Consumer Services website.
http://www.sse.gov.on.ca/mcs/en/Pages/Door_to_Door_Sales_Rights.aspx
The Niagara Regional Police Service reminds the public to be diligent in their dealings and not to allow yourself to be pressured into any deal or contract. You are not required to allow door-to-door marketers into your home for any reason; no matter what they are selling and, you are not required to provide them with copies of any utility bills. For those who have elderly relatives or friends who live on their own, a little time spent discussing these risks could avoid an unnecessary financial loss.
To leave an anonymous tip, please contact Crime Stoppers via:
Telephone – 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS)
Online – www.niagaratips.com
Text – 274637(CRIMES), keyword Niagara, then your tip.
Crime Stoppers guarantees that you will remain anonymous through any of the methods offered to provide tips. You may also be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000 if the information leads to an arrest.
