Police officers from the Sûreté du Québec are currently investigating a fraud case involving a suspect who solicited individuals to sell roofing contracts, which were indeed completed. Later, the same suspect returned to the individuals’ homes to offer driveway paving services and requested a deposit. However, the paving work was never done, and the phone number is now out of service. Victims may feel confident at first because the roofing work was completed.
People may have felt confident because the roofing work had been completed.
The investigation suggests that the suspect may be involved in several similar cases across Montreal’s South Shore.
Sûreté du Québec officers are reminding the public of some prevention tips related to door-to-door sales, commonly known as itinerant sales. This refers to one or more individuals who come to your home unexpectedly and offer you services (e.g., repairs, installation of materials, inspection of ventilation systems or attics, paving work, etc.).
Itinerant merchants often use high-pressure sales tactics and can be very persistent, influencing citizens to purchase a product or sign a service contract despite their hesitation.
Before entering into a contract with a door-to-door salesperson:
- Ask the person to provide their name, the name of the company they represent, and a piece of photo identification.
- Take time to verify the information provided.
- Check whether the individual complies with your municipality’s regulations and holds a permit from the Office de la protection du consommateur (OPC). An OPC permit is mandatory for any seller who solicits you outside their place of business to sell products or services.
- You are entitled to a reflection period for any contract signed at your home.
- Know your rights. Consult the Consumer Information Office in your province or territory – most have guidelines under their consumer protection legislation.
- Shop around and compare the price with at least two other suppliers to ensure it is competitive.
The Sûreté du Québec urges the public to remain vigilant regarding this type of solicitation and reminds citizens that any information related to criminal activity can be reported to the Sûreté du Québec’s Criminal Information Centre at 1-800-659-4264.