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Savvy West Grey resident avoids door-to-door scam

by | Jul 10, 2019 | News and Announcements | 0 comments

***UPDATE***

WGPS has spoken with Bell Corporate Security who advises that they DO solicit residences sometimes and HAVE been soliciting in the recent weeks in the Grey Bruce area. Bell states that ALL true employees will be seen wearing a bright blue “BELL” shirt and will be able to present their “BELL employee ID.” BELL Corporate Security is assisting WGPS in identifying wether or not the persons involved in these specific incidents reported were actually employees or not. BELL states that should you be concerned over the legitimacy of a door-to-door marketing person, you can always ask them for their employee ID number and the representative at 310-BELL(2355) will be able to verify their creditials. BELL apologizes for the error in information provided by their call center representative.

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On Tuesday July 9th 2019, police received reports of two white males who appeared to be about 20 to 30 years old, soliciting internet packages for Bell at residences on Highway 6. The savvy West Grey homeowner contacted Bell to verify if the two men were actually employees which Bell responded that they do not solicit door to door and that they two men were scammers. The two men were last seen headed Southbound on Highway 6 at approximately 3:00pm in a silver Honda Pilot (CRV) but no license plate was obtained.

Though there is an unsolicited door-to-door ban across Ontario since March 1st, 2018, Telecoms are under the jurisdiction of the federal government and do not fall under this law. The legislation specifically targets the door-to-door sales of furnaces, air conditioners, air cleaners, air purifiers, water heaters, water treatment devices, water purifiers, water filters, water softeners, duct cleaning services or any good or service that performs or combines one or more of the above functions.

It also bans companies who visit homes for repairs from trying to sell new contracts while on maintenance calls, but allows them to hand out promotional materials on such trips. Company staff can only discuss new contracts on a visit if their employer sought prior approval from the customer when arranging the house call. Individuals who violate the law will risk a fine of up to $50,000 or imprisonment for up to two years, less a day, or both. Corporations will face a fine of up to $250,000.

The West Grey Police Service would like to commend the homeowner for doing her due diligence prior to signing anything or giving any money or information. If you believe that something seems too good to be true, always take the time to research the company and to confirm the validity of an offer. If you witness someone breaking the door-to-door ban, you can file a report with your local police as well as report the incident to the government at https://www.ontario.ca/page/filing-consumer-complaint

 

Media Inquiries:

Cst. Cory Trainor

Media Relations Officer

West Grey Police Service

519-369-3046

ctrainor@westgreyps.ca

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