Submitted
Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority is warning Saskatchewan residents about door-to-door driveway repair scams. Some salespeople may not be licensed or may use leftover materials that result in low quality work.
Check for a license.
If a salesperson is coming to your door wanting to pave your driveway, they need to be licensed under the Direct Sellers Act. You can check if a salesperson is licensed on https://fcaa.gov.sk.ca/fcaa411. Licensed salespersons are regulated to ensure that consumers are protected from harmful practices.
How the scam works:
Scammers often come, unlicensed, door-to-door and offer “on the spot” driveway repair using leftover materials from other projects. The driveway may look good initially, but may crumble and crack as it dries.
Red flags:
Be cautious if a salesperson:
• makes the price sound “too good to be true”;
• pressures you into buying immediately or claim that you’ll “lose a deal”; or
• asks you to write a blank cheque.
Keep yourself safe.
When dealing with a door-to-door salesperson, make sure that:
· everything is documented in writing, that you agree to the expectations of the work, that a price is set and there is a timeframe of when work is to be completed;
· you ask questions when you do not understand something;
· you are not pressured into buying on the spot;
· you do not write them a blank cheque;
· check to see if they have property damage and liability insurance; and
· you check if they are listed on the Better Business Bureau directory (or call 1-888-352-7601). If they are listed, read their customer reviews to make sure you are hiring someone who does work you like.
If consumers have questions about hiring a door-to-door contractor, they can find more information at http://fcaa.gov.sk.ca/consumers-investors-pension-plan-members/consumers/consumers-of-goods-and-services/tips-for-driveway-repairs, call toll free at 1-877-880-5550, or contact by email at [email protected].
