Police are warning the public about aggressive and potentially fraudulent furnace salespeople gaining access to people’s homes.
The suspects tell residents that they are building inspectors and that they must be allowed inside to inspect the furnace or the residents will face fines.
Once inside, they claim to find problems with the furnace or hot water tank and aggressively try to sell the homeowner new ones.
Police and the City of Calgary Licence division are investigating these incidents, and recommend the following tips:
- Always ask to see identification to confirm that people are who they say. Legitimate door-to-door salespeople are required to have visible identification in Calgary.
- City of Calgary building inspectors generally only visit homes by appointment, or in emergencies.
- Before allowing a contractor into your home, ensure you are dealing with an approved contracting company that is properly licensed and insured. The City of Calgary’s new contractor tips and tools page provides valuable advice.
- If you encounter a door-to-door salesperson or business without a business licence, report it to 311.
- If you are told your furnace does not meet safety codes and must be replaced, you can often check this information with The City of Calgary’s Technical Assistance Centre to make sure it is true.
Calgarians who have similar experiences are asked to report it to the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at 403-266-1234.
For information on building codes and how to protect yourself from contractor fraud, visit calgary.ca/myhome.
