Resident Becomes Wise To Furnace Repair Scam

(ST.MARYS, ON) Perth County O.P.P. officers in St.Marys were dispatched to a St.Marys home where the elderly resident wanted to report a possible furnace repair scam.

Investigation revealed that sometime in January 2012, a male arrived at the resident’s door introducing himself as a furnace repairman from a London company. The man convinced the resident that her furnace should be checked; as a result $2,400.00 was paid for the work. The resident, with the assistance of her son-in-law, determined that no more work should be done to the furnace and she was most likely overcharged.

On March 29th two males arrived at the complainant’s residence representing the same furnace repair company. They tried to convince the resident for over forty minutes to give them money so they could do more work on her furnace. They explained that it would probably cost several thousand dollars for the repairs. The resident refused and the men eventually left.

The Perth County O.P.P. is reminding residents that the spring always seems to get people moving, the same holds true for high pressure salesmen. Police often see an upsurge in complaints about aggressive sales tactics this time of year. The complaints often concern high pressure sales tactics associated to in-home demonstration or inspection. Be vigilant when dealing with door to door sales or repairmen and abide by the following suggestions:

– Get three quotes for repairs, products or services being purchased for your home.
– Do not sign a contract without checking the credibility of the company or the person selling the product or service. This may include requesting business cards, observing appropriate uniforms/equipment and contracting references or the Better Business Bureau.

– Elderly persons or those with little business experience should not sign a contract without running it by a trusted family member, friend or neighbour. Use caution when providing a deposit and only pay the total amount after complete and satisfactory services have been rendered.

– Report suspicious persons or activity to police immediately.

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