Released on June 21, 2018
Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority (FCAA) is advising you to be cautious if a salesperson comes to your door offering to pave, patch or apply a protective treatment to your driveway. Always ask to see a direct seller’s licence number. Door-to-door sales contractors are required to be licensed under
The Direct Sellers Act.Red Flags That it Might be a Scam:
- The price sounds too good to be true.
- High pressure sales—if the sales representative pressures you to “act now or lose out on a limited time offer”.
- The salesperson requires you to pay a substantial down payment before providing any services.
- Check to see if they are licensed on FCAA411 (http://www.fcaa.gov.sk.ca/fcaa411).
- Check to see if they are listed in the Better Business Bureau directory (http://www.bbb.org/saskatchewan) or call 1-888-352-7601 and if so, view their rating and read customer reviews.
- Get everything in writing and create a formal contract with clear expectations of the work to be done, the price and the timeframe of when the work should begin and finish.
- Do not hand over a blank cheque.
If consumers have questions about hiring a contractor doing door-to-door sales, 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. They can call toll free at 1-877-880-5550 or by email at consumerprotection@gov.sk.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Shannon McMillan
Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-798-4160
Email: shannon.mcmillan@gov.sk.ca