FROM
HOME RENOVATION SCAMS
Check out home improvement offers before giving a deposit or signing a contract:
- Call the Consumers' Bureau to find out if the seller is
licensed. Call toll-free 1-800-782-0067 or 945-3800 in Winnipeg.
- Shop around. Get at least three estimates.
- Review the contract. Look for an itemized list of
work and materials, start and finish dates, and deposit requests.
- Ask for local references and check them out.
- Say NO right away to high-pressure appeals.
Remember: Reputable companies will be happy to give
you time to think before signing.
FROM BURGLARS
Many homes are broken into because doors and windows were left unlocked. Remember
to:
- Lock your doors and windows, even if you are just working
in your garden or stepping out for a short time.
- Identify your valuables. (Contact your local RCMP
detachment for more safety tips.)
- Store valuables in a safe place out of sight from doorways
and windows.
- Let trusted neighbours know when you are away.
Remember: Unlocked doors and windows are an open
invitation to burglars.
FROM CHARITY SCAMS
Is someone at your door or on the phone trying to convince you to donate to a charity?
Before you give:
- Check with the Consumers' Bureau to find out if the charity
is authorized to solicit funds by calling toll-free 1-800-782-0067 or 945-3800 in
Winnipeg.
- Do not give cash donations. If you want to donate,
write a cheque payable to the charity.
- If someone is selling something on behalf of a charity, ask how
much of the purchase price of the product actually goes towards the charity.
- Say NO right away to high-pressure appeals.
Remember: Reputable charities and fund-raisers will
give you time to think about making a donation.
FROM
TELEMARKETING/PRIZE SCAMS
Congratulations! You've won the grand prize.....but you don't remember
even entering the contest! When in doubt, check with the Consumers' Bureau by
calling toll free 1-800-782-0067 or 945-3800 in Winnipeg. Be on the lookout for other "too
good to be true" offers like these:
- You're offered a once-in-a-lifetime investment that offers
a huge return.
- You're told you're a winner, and all you have to do is pay
for delivery, processing, taxes, duties or some other fee to receive the prize.
Remember: Never give out credit card, bank account or
other personal information over the telephone, unless you have initiated the call. Even
then, know who's on the other end of the line.
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