(ST.MARYS, ON) Perth County O.P.P. officers in St.Marys have investigated a number of complaints by St.Marys residents about home maintenance companies and their unethical methods of doing business. The complaints usually come from senior residents who have received calls or visits from sales persons representing companies that specialize in home repairs.
The Perth County OPP investigated an incident which occurred in January 2012, and distributed a media release warning residents of these high pressure sales tactics. This incident involved an elderly female resident who was pressured by a sales person from a London based furnace repair company. Very expensive repairs were made to her furnace and in March repairmen re-attended at the ladies residence to try and convince her that a couple of thousand dollars worth of additional repairs needed to be done. Fortunately the resident refused and after 45 minutes the repairmen left the residence.
The same elderly resident received a call from the furnace repair company on June 25, 2012. She was advised that a maintenance person would be by to inspect her furnace the next day. The maintenance person did stop by the house and looked at the furnace accompanied by the resident. The maintenance person departed after a few minutes without charging anything.
The Perth County OPP was subsequently contacted but from all information received it was apparent that no crime had taken place. The resident was advised that subsequent frauds or scams may result from this visit. The resident was urged to call the police immediately if anyone re-contacted her about her furnace.
It is apparent that a number of companies target seniors and aggressively market to this demographic. There have been instances where they have alleged being affiliated to the government in order to sound convincing. Companies will also send a technician who “just happens to be in the areaâ€, and they offer special promotions as well as discounts to senior citizens. In reality they charge high prices for their work.
The investigations into this particular incident revealed unethical practices but nothing illegal or fraudulent has occurred.
Residents are reminded to beware of high pressure and aggressive salespersons. This seems to be especially evident with sales persons associated to in-home demonstrations or inspections. The public is advised to 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 contacting 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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