Today we visited the home of an older person who had been charged over $22,000.00 for a water treatment system worth a fraction of that price. The system didn't work, and the company that sold it to her stopped returning her calls. Unfortunately, this isn't the first time we've seen this. However, this was the worst case we've ever seen. This out-of-town company used a common scam to get into her home, a winning scratch-off ticket.

This type of scam has been going on for years, but in the last six months, we are learning of more cases. The target often seems to be an older person. The company hits a town and then disappears.

Every scratch ticket seems to be a winner. When you call to claim your prize, they arrange to visit and test your water. They can be at your home within minutes of your call. Once in the door, the salespeople proceed to convince you that you need a treatment system costing thousands of dollars. The installers and equipment have been known to be waiting just down the road to swoop in and get the system installed immediately, presumably before you can think it over or discuss the situation with a friend or family member.

We're sharing this information to educate everyone about some bad actors in the home services industry. It's heartbreaking to see how devastated the homeowners are by the financial loss and the emotional toll of having been fleeced. How could someone take advantage of others this way? The reality is greed. Using shoddy equipment makes the profit margins huge, so they only need a few victims to make their visit to the area worthwhile. 

If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Check with someone you trust.

To learn your rights and more about avoiding common scams for home services, visit Consumer Protection Ontario https://www.ontario.ca/page/door-door-sales-and-home-service-contracts.

Sincerely,

Jeff Byron
President/Owner
Jeff Byron Pumps & Water Treatment