Consumer Alert - Albertans Cautioned About Door-to-Door Home-Security Packages

For immediate release, Edmonton, October 20, 2000

Albertans are being asked to be cautious if approached by direct selling home-security salespeople.

Alberta Government Services, the department responsible for consumer protection in the province, is investigating a number of consumer complaints in the area of door-to-door sales of home security equipment and security monitoring services. A number of consumers have been offered free home security equipment in exchange for a long-term commitment on monitoring contracts.

Consumers are reminded that the direct sellers must be licensed by the department and post a security. The business must specify a 10-day cancellation right and outline contract requirements, including a description of the goods and services and price breakdown.

Failure by a company to comply with license and cancellation provisions is an offence under the Fair Trading Act, which allows for a maximum fine of $100,000 and/or up to two years in jail. The Act also provides consumers with additional cancellation rights in certain circumstances.

Albertans are also reminded of the following when it comes to ANY door-to-door salesperson:

  • Ask for proof of a municipal and provincial license.
  • Get a written estimate.
  • Compare prices.
  • Make sure guarantees/warranties are in writing.
  • Be sure to get a signed invoice.

A priority of Alberta Government Services is to make sure Albertans are aware there are rules and regulations in place to protect their consumer rights and that there is somewhere to turn to if they feel they’ve been victimized by an unethical operator.

In 1999-2000, 1,600 investigations were completed resulting in close to $400,000 being returned to Albertans.

If people have concerns or questions, they are asked to contact Alberta Government Services’ Consumer Information Centre at: 427-4088 (in Edmonton) or toll-free number at: 1-877-427-4088. More than 65,000 Albertans were assisted through the Consumer Information Centre in 1999-2000.

Albertans can get consumer tipsheets on the Fair Trading Act, door to door regulations and other consumer protection initiatives from the Consumer Information Centre or from Alberta Government Services’ website at www.gov.ab.ca/gs.

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Contact:

Ed Greenberg - Alberta Government Services Communications - (780) 415-6051 - (780) 718-5699 (cell)