Winnipeg police are warning homeowners to beware of a potential scam that is hitting Winnipeg.
Over the last little while, police have received a number of complaints about aggressive salespeople who may also be using fraudulent sales practices when trying to sell home heating systems.
The scam works like this.. someone shows up at your door and say they are there to inspect your furnace or home heating system. Once the “inspection” is complete the person will launch into an often aggressive sales pitch as they attempt to sell you services or a new furnace.
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The so-called inspectors attempt to look official by often wearing uniforms with company logos and or wearing company ID of some form. Some even claim to be associated with or employees of Manitoba Hydro.
[jaw_quote author=”Winnipeg Police Service” ]Neither private companies, nor their employees, have any legal authority to enter a home to perform furnace inspections. These individuals are salespeople whose ultimate goal is to entice residents to make purchases of home heating products.[/jaw_quote][jaw_clear]
Manitoba Hydro says that they are aware of several scams like this but remind the public that although hydro staff may go door-to-door from time to time all of their employees carry official Hydro Identification that includes the employees’ name and photo. Hydro also never pressures homeowners to give them access to their residence even for inspections.
“If you ever feel threatened or concerned for your safety in any way, contact your local police,” states hydro’s website.
LINK | Manitoba Hydro Scam Information
Police say that you never have to let anyone into your home that seems suspicious and you can call the non-emergency number at 204-986-6222 if you require information from police.
-News 4-
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