Alert issued about door-to-door sellers
Financial and Consumer Services Commission says it’s received reports of high-pressure tactics by unlicensed salespeople, advises people to ask questions, to read any contracts
The province’s financial-services watchdog agency says there are reports of unlicensed “direct sellers” knocking on doors in the province, using high-pressure tactics to manipulate consumers.
The Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick issued a news release Monday, advising people in the province to be cautious when dealing with door-to-door salespeople, also known as direct sellers.
It issued the alert after receiving reports of several direct sellers operating in New Brunswick without a licence, and such instances tend to involve misleading promotion of home services and equipment through social media ads, telemarketing calls and door-to-door sales.
“All direct sellers must be licensed by the commission and are obligated to carry their licence while conducting business. These licensing requirements help protect consumers by ensuring that direct sellers have been properly vetted,” the release said.
“New Brunswickers are encouraged to ask for proof of licence before agreeing to purchase anything from a direct seller. They can also search the commission’s direct sellers database to verify a salesperson’s licence.”
While checking for a direct seller’s licence is important, the commission said, people also need to be aware of their rights.
“Consumers are urged to ask questions, to avoid feeling pressured into making a decision, to do research and to read all contracts when approached to purchase products or services from a direct seller,” the release said.
“Direct sellers are required to provide a copy of the contract to the consumer.”
Furthermore, the agency said, customers are empowered by law to cancel any direct-sales contract within 10 days after receiving their copy, for any reason.
It’s common for direct sellers to employ high-pressure or deceptive sales tactics, it said, such as claiming something is a “one-time offer only” or only “available now;” offering free inspections, consultations or prizes for home visits to get their foot in the door; misleading consumers by suggesting the seller works for a municipality, a provincial organization or a utility company; suggesting the customer’s home might be in dangerous condition and is somehow unsuitable for habitation.
Consumers should always get second opinions about such offers and representations about equipment or work the seller claims is necessary, the commission said in the release.
The agency also urged people who have experienced such tactics to report such instances to the commission, and if the activity is suspicious or unusual, the police should be called as well.
The commission’s website also lists tips on how to guard against questionable deals with direct sellers.
The Fredericton Independent can be reached at ftonindependent@gmail.com.