Sharing information our office received from the Ottawa Police Service team:
Door-to-door scammers will knock on your door, offering to sell you a product or service. Their main goal is to get you to pay. They may use fear as well as concerns about money, living alone, and keeping up a home. Distraction thefts can also occur if access to your home is gained, this usually occurs when there are two subjects involved in the scam.
Door-to-Door Sales
What is covered under Ontario Legislation Bill 193:
(1) No person shall,
- (a) sell, lease, rent or offer to sell, lease or rent a product listed in subsection (2) to a consumer in person at the consumer’s home; or
- (b) cause a person to sell, lease or rent or offer to sell, lease or rent a product listed in subsection (2) to a consumer in person at the consumer’s home.
Subsection (2):
- furnaces
- air conditioners, air cleaners, air purifiers
- water heaters, water treatment devices, water purifiers
- water filters, water softeners
- duct cleaning services
- any good or service that performs or combines one or more of the above functions
What is NOT covered under Ontario Legislation Bill 193:
- Telecoms. Door-to-door sales of telecom services, such as internet, phone, and cable, fall under the federal government’s jurisdiction. Since these services are regulated nationally, they aren’t covered by the provincial ban.
- Charity reach-outs. Charities that visit homes for fundraising or awareness purposes are exempt from the ban. These organizations are presumed to engage in non-commercial activities, and the legislation doesn’t apply to them, as they’re not selling goods or services.
- Home maintenance. While the ban covers most heating, air, and water services, it may not encompass all home-maintenance services. The legislation could theoretically include such services, but the focus was primarily on areas where many complaints were received.
Charity Scam
Fraudsters using the cover of legitimate charities to collect money at your door.
- They will often have a fraudulent badge or I.D. card.
- Use high pressure sales tactics.
- Preying on the holidays or your willingness to give to particular charities (Cancer society, Heart Institute).
- You can always say, No!!! Contact the charity of your choice and donate directly to them.
Renovation/Construction Scam
A 2022 report from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) says the riskiest frauds in Canada are home improvement scams.
- Knock on the door to tell you they just happen to be doing some work in the area and can give you a “special or group pricing”.
- Here today only. Discount for “on the spot” hiring.
- Demand a large down payment “to buy materials”. Most reputable contractors can maintain charge accounts with their suppliers.
- Be cautious, do your research!!!
Tips to help protect yourself
DO NOT
- Answer your door unless you are expecting an invited guest.
- Allow unsolicited visitors into your home,
- Share personal information or copies of any bills or financial statements with door-to-door scammers,
- Make impulsive decisions on the spot,
- Sign contracts and blank documents, investigate further, and ask questions.
- Answer questions on a phone/video call if you are being told the answers by someone else.
More Information
Click the link for more Fraud Information: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre