Chatham-Kent police warn that as nicer weather approaches they've received several paving and construction fraud complaints.
The complainants said that individuals claiming to be with construction companies have been going door-to-door offering sales and entering into contracts that do not get honoured.
According to police, reputable companies do engage in door-to-door sales, but many scams and unethical practices are also associated with this type of marketing.
Police are offering a list of things to keep in mind when someone tries to sell you something at your door:
High-pressure sales tactics: be wary of salespeople who use high-pressure tactics to try to get you to sign a contract or make a deposit right away. They may try to create a sense of urgency or tell you that the offer is only suitable for a limited time.
Lack of credentials: ensure the company has the necessary licenses, permits, and insurance to perform the work. Be bold and ask for proof of these credentials before signing a contract.
No written contract: make sure you receive a written agreement that includes all the details of the work to be performed, including the scope of the work, materials to be used, timeline, and payment terms. Do not rely on verbal promises or handshake agreements.
Lack of references: ask the company for references from previous customers and follow up with them to get an idea of the company's quality of work and customer service.
Unusually low prices: be cautious of companies that offer significantly lower prices than their competitors. This may be a sign of substandard materials or workmanship or a scam.
Unsolicited offers: be cautious of unsolicited offers for construction services, mainly if the salesperson shows up at your doorstep without an appointment.
More information about these types of scams can be found here.
