The Financial and Consumer Services Commission (FCNB) is warning New Brunswick consumers about high pressure sales tactics being used by some door-to-door salespeople who are offering to install heating and cooling systems.
Consumers have reported to FCNB that door-to-door salespeople have been offering free installation of items such as heating and cooling systems within a short time frame, and they have been:
- asking people to sign documents electronically without providing consumers time to read the details
- failing to provide copies of contracts
- failing to adequately discuss payment options and misleading consumers into thinking they are renting equipment versus applying for financing
- distracting or pressuring consumers and preventing them from making an informed decision
As a result, consumers were not aware of the full implications of the arrangement until after items were already installed in their home.
To protect yourself, FCNB wants you to know what to consider when dealing with direct sellers. Consumers are urged to ask questions, to not be pressured into making a decision, to do research and to read all contracts when approached to purchase products or services from a door-to-door salesperson. When a deal sounds too good to be true, it very well could be.
In some cases, it appears the salespeople may not have been licensed to sell door-to-door in the province. FCNB is currently looking in to these reports. Door-to-door salespeople must be licensed by FCNB, and carry their licence with them. New Brunswickers should always ask to see the licence when a salesperson comes to their home. Salespeople are also required to provide copies of the contract to the consumer; and the law provides for a 10-day cancellation period for any good or service sold through a direct sale.
For more best practices when interacting with door-to-door salespeople, click here to visit our website and learn more. Consumers who have concerns about a door-to-door salesperson should contact FCNB at 1-866-933-2222 or info@fcnb.ca.
FCNB has the mandate to protect consumers and enhance public confidence in the financial and consumer marketplace through the provision of regulatory and educational services. It is responsible for the administration and enforcement of provincial legislation regulating mortgage brokers, payday lenders, real estate, securities, insurance, pensions, credit unions, trust and loan companies, co-operatives, and a wide range of other consumer legislation. It is an independent Crown corporation funded by the regulatory fees and assessments paid by the regulated sectors. Online educational tools and resources are available at www.fcnb.ca.