Beware of Home Solicitation Sales

Details

25 Aug

Public Information, Pinellas County Government AGENCY

Beware of home solicitation sales

Pinellas County is warning residents about engaging in home solicitation sales as the office of Consumer Protection has received an increased number of complaints resulting from these type of sales. It is most frequently reported that the product or service sold was not delivered or that the work was of poor quality.

Door-to-door solicitation has become a more frequent occurrence among salespeople and scammers alike, offering everything from home repair services and alarm systems to the sale of meat.

“These types of sales can cause financial harm to consumers and could result in identity theft,” said Pinellas County Consumer Protection Operations Manager Doug Templeton. “A home solicitation sale does not give the buyer time to research the product or company, therefore consumers are not aware of who they are conducting business with. This poses safety concerns, as well as possible damage to the home in cases of home repair services.”

Pursuant to Chapter 501.021 of the Florida Statutes, individuals who engage in (or who supervise minors engaged in) certain door-to-door solicitation activities that sell, lease or rent consumer goods or services with a purchase price in excess of $25 are required to obtain a home solicitation permit issued by the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Conducting home solicitation sales without the required permit can result in criminal penalties. A home solicitation occurs at a place other than the sellers fixed location, such as your home and must be unsolicited.

• In order to obtain a permit, individuals must pay a fee and pass a criminal background check.

• All home solicitation sellers must provide the buyer with a written contract.

• The contract must include the buyer’s signature, date and buyer’s right to cancel clause.

• Home solicitation laws allow buyers a three-day right to cancel from the date the contract is signed.

Please call Pinellas County Consumer Protection at (727) 464-6200 if you suspect a violation of home solicitation sales.

Pinellas County Consumer Protection provides assistance in the resolution of consumer-business disputes, investigates allegations of criminal violations, educates and informs consumer and business communities regarding existing consumer protection laws and regulates high-prescribing health clinics, bingo, and adult use ordinances. For more information, visit: www.pinellascounty.org/consumer.

The very best advice is to NOT OPEN YOUR DOOR TO STRANGERS. Instead, consider talking through your door enabling the caller to know that there IS someone home but that you are not interested in their product or service.

ADDITIONAL REMINDERS - Lock it or Lose it :

And just a reminder to always keep those doors, windows and cars locked up with no valuables in sight. You don’t even have to walk outside to ensure your car doors are locked, simply stand inside your house at your front window or door and use your cars FOB (clicker) to make certain your car doors are locked. Please never leave keys in your car or any other valuables. We are certain our neighborhoods are being cased each night, with thugs attempting to open unlocked doors. At the very least, your unlocked car will be rifled through in an attempt to find valuables or valet keys but expect to feel violated and have your planned day RUINED with police reports, insurance claims, etc. And don’t think for one minute that your insurance rates won’t be adjusted upwards… The safe answer…LOCK UP and avoid the theft/hassle! And please watch out for one another - especially our elderly neighbors who certainly appreciate a little helping hand.