Possible Furnace Sales Scam?
2/22/2016 at 4:24 PM
BEWARE Possible Furnace Sales SCAM in Brandon
I had a salesperson come to my door today and ask to look at my furnace. I asked for their credentials and stated they were with a (Company to remain unnamed) and doing a Province of Manitoba Green energy initiative. They were looking at furnace operations and could supply me with a high efficient furnace at a low cost monthly rental agreement. I decided to see what they were all about, because the last time I checked, the Province of Manitoba does not rent furnaces. I had the young salesperson come in. He did a check of my furnace and stated it was old (I said,15 years to be exact) and needed to be replaced. He stated his company could RENT me a furnace for approximately $80.41 a month for FIVE (5) years and at that (5 year) time I could purchase the remainder of the contract (no exact $$$$ number Hmmmm, Interesting?). This new furnace would save me electrical and gas energy and it would include a 10 year parts and labour warranty. I decided to push a little further and ask a few questions.
I asked if he was a trained technician and to back his claim of me needing a new furnace, NO he wasn’t
I asked if his company was with the BBB (Better Business Bureau), Yes they were and it stated it on their contract agreement and brochure. (I called BBB and they are not listed)
I asked if they had a service company in Brandon, NO, their technicians would respond ever so quickly from Winnipeg in a heat emergency
I also asked about their water systems they offer: he could supply me with a Reverse Osmosis System for an extra $80 ish a month for Seven (7) years
I stated I was not interested and had him leave.
The only reason I’m writing this is the elderly neighbor signed the salespersons contract and on reviewing the agreement she had Ten (10) days to call and cancel the agreement, so we called, no answer and called and called and called. WOW great service, I spoke friend of the family (in legal) regarding the agreement and they state to continue to call to cancel, document it and just don’t let them in when they arrive.
I also spoke with the furnace/air conditioner service company we use and asked about the Brand these guys are offering and if it was a good option. The owner stated that the brand is decent and beware of the 10 year labour warranty, there can be a lot of hidden, added costs and deductibles that the customer is responsible for. He also stated Manitoba Hydro offers Furnace Financing options through qualifying service companies but does not rent furnaces. If someone was concerned about their furnace to call Manitoba Hydro or a Furnace/Heating Service Company and have it checked.
P.S. I asked our service provider with regards to the cost of having a Reverse Osmosis installed in our home. He said it could be approximately $800-$2000 for a system depending on installation and type of equipment. The other guy’s system would have cost me over $7000 in the Seven (7) years I was paying for it. WOW ---- PLEASE JUST BEWARE