{March 12, 2007} VICTORIA, BC – As the weather improves many individuals, especially seniors, may find themselves face to face with door to door salespeople.  Scam artists will come to the door uninvited, offering to sell a product or service and they take the consumer’s money while leaving them with an overpriced product, poor workmanship or nothing at all. 

Some examples of the types of door to door sales which may be scams are vacuum and air filtration system sales.  There are also many legitimate businesses and individuals who make their living selling their products and services directly to consumers through door to door sales. When considering a purchase via a door to door sale, consumers should consider the following tips in order to recognize legitimate salespeople and to minimize their chances of being a victim of a fraud:

Know Who You are Doing Business With

• It is very important to know who you are doing business with. Before making a purchase ask the sales person for their business card and contact information.
• Check out the company’s BBB Reliability Report at www.bbbvi.ca before making a purchase or signing a contract.
• Do your research about the product being sold. What is the average price for the same or similar product in a store or online?  Take the time to comparison shop, getting information on the product price and quality being sold. 

Be Wary of High Pressure Sales Tactics

• Try not to feel pressured into buying something from a door to door salesperson.
• A legitimate company will allow you time to do some research and to make up your mind.
• If you are not interested in the product a door to door salesperson is offering, do not let them in your home.  If at any time you want the sales person to leave, be firm, ask them to leave and call the police if they refuse.
• Think before you buy: Do you need this product? Can you afford to purchase and maintain it?

Read the Contract Carefully

• Always make sure you get a written contract that outlines all the details of the transaction.
• Read the fine print before you sign anything. Don't agree to any terms you do not fully understand.
• Direct sales contracts are legally required to contain certain information. Check with the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority (BPCPA) to find out what needs to be included in this type of contract.
• Check the contract for your cancellation rights; according to BC law you may have a 10-day cooling off period where you are able to change your mind.

General Tips to Protect Yourself

• Do not pay in cash without getting a receipt.
• Do not make cheques payable to the salesperson; make all cheques to the company.
• If you do buy something, keep copies of all receipts and cancelled cheques.
• If you cancel, do so in a way that you can prove you cancelled such as a fax or registered letter.

To check out a company Reliability Report visit the BBB of Vancouver Island website at www.bbbvi.ca.  For more information about contract requirements and cancellations or to register a complaint about door-to-door sales or potentially deceptive acts, contact the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority (BPCPA) at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 1-888-564-9963.  The BBB and BPCPA can also provide you with information about your rights and responsibilities as a consumer and as a business.

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Media Contacts:
Tatiana Chabeaux-Smith, Manager of Public Relations
Business Practices & Consumer Protection Authority
Direct: 604-296-2856   Toll Free: 1-888-564-9963 ext. 2802
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or

Starr Munro, Director of Communications & Operations
BBB Vancouver Island
Phone: 250- 386-6348 ext. 116
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it