{April 7, 2006} VICTORIA – The Business Practices and Consumer Protection Authority (BPCPA) is warning consumers to avoid doing business with Lloyd Schell Jr. operating in the Okanagan as Clean Horizons and Majestic Enterprises. Schell is violating a Direct Sales Prohibition Order issued by the BPCPA by continuing to sell vacuum cleaners to consumers.

The BPCPA received complaints from consumers who purchased vacuum cleaners from Lloyd Schell Jr. earlier in the year. The complaints showed that Schell contacted consumers by telephone to participate in a survey. In the days following the survey, Mr. Schell arrived at their homes with a bouquet of flowers as a gift for their participation in the survey and proceeded to sell them the vacuum cleaners.

The BPCPA continues to receive calls advising that Lloyd Schell is selling vacuum cleaners in the Okanagan area. The BPCPA is investigating this issue and will be taking enforcement action.

The BPCPA is warning consumers to be wary of sellers who call to offer gifts in order to obtain access to your home. If you do enter into a contract in your home, you have the right to cancel the contract within 10 days for any reason and the right to a refund from the supplier within 15 days if the contract is cancelled. If you enter into a contract with a supplier who is under a direct sales prohibition order, as in this case, you have up to one year to cancel the contract.

If you have any questions or information about this issue, please contact the BPCPA at its toll free in BC number 1 888 564-9963. For more information about consumer protection, visit the BPCPA website at www.bpcpa.ca.