Door-to-door sales were prohibited in Ontario seven years ago; however, companies are still permitted to approach homeowners regarding specific products or services.
In April, a senior citizen in Ontario, diagnosed with early onset dementia, was contacted by a company offering protection for appliances in her home, despite the fact that she did not own the items for which she had signed up.
“I am upset that Delores was exploited,” expressed Marg Blaszczyk, a resident of Scarborough.
Blaszczyk is a friend of Delores McLeod, who struggles with early onset dementia and memory issues. She frequently visits McLeod, as they both reside in the same complex in Scarborough.
Recently, McLeod informed her friend about a letter from a lawyer indicating that she was being sued.
“It concerns a contract for furnace and air conditioner maintenance,” Blaszczyk.
McLeod had entered into a five-year agreement to pay $40 monthly for carbon offsets, in addition to $50 per month for a protection plan covering furnace and air conditioner maintenance, amounting to a total of $101.70 each month, including tax.
However, McLeod claims she does not recall signing any contract and does not possess a furnace or air conditioner in her residence.
When CTV inquired whether someone had visited her door to sell her the plan, McLeod replied, “They must have, but I don’t remember who or when, I’m sorry.”
Subsequently, McLeod received a notice of pending litigation demanding immediate payment of $2,342 for missed payments.
Blaszczyk then reached out to on behalf of her friend, knowing that McLeod did not have an air conditioner and that her home was heated using electric baseboards and a gas fireplace, rather than a furnace.
“The protection plan is intended for furnace and air conditioning maintenance, neither of which we have in our units,” Blaszczyk stated.
In a follow-up phone call with Offset Ontario Inc., which was recorded, McLeod informed the operator twice that she did not have an air conditioner.
McLeod stated, “I don’t have an air co.”
The operator from Offset Ontario Inc. responded, “Umm, no, I will reiterate my previous statement.”
McLeod replied, “Alright, as I mentioned, I do not have an air conditioner.”
The operator from Offset Ontario Inc. then asked, “So, that means it’s a yes, correct?”
McLeod confirmed, “Yes.”
Blaszczyk expressed that her friend should not be held accountable for the $2,342 fee to terminate the contract.
“I want my friend to receive fair treatment, allowing this issue to be resolved and for the company to cover the costs,” Blaszczyk stated.
When CTV News Toronto contacted Offset Ontario Inc., a company spokesperson issued a statement: “Offset Ontario is dedicated to ensuring that contracts related to home warranties or protections for specific household devices, such as water heaters and furnaces, are not assigned to vulnerable individuals, including the elderly or those lacking the capacity to enter into agreements.”
“In the particular case mentioned, the contract with Offset Ontario and any related agreements have been completely canceled and rescinded to ensure full adherence to our client’s policies and procedures. Additionally, the account has been removed from collections, and the individual is no longer responsible for any debt owed to our client.”
In McLeod’s situation, she is no longer required to pay the $2,342, which Blaszczyk noted was a significant relief for her friend.
“It’s wonderful that the matter has been resolved so quickly,” Blaszczyk remarked.
Although door-to-door sales are prohibited in Ontario for numerous products and services, this restriction does not apply to all. If someone approaches you at your door, exercise caution, and if uncertain, simply decline and refrain from signing any documents.