Air duct cleaning scams in Canada: how the cheap offer works
Quick answer
An unsolicited call or knock offering very cheap air duct cleaning is a common scam in Canada. Don't give out bills or personal details, ask for ID and a written quote, and know that you may be able to cancel a contract signed at home.
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How it works
Scammers offer air duct cleaning or furnace work at unusually low prices, by phone or at your door. Consumer Protection BC and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre describe door-to-door sellers who push services you don't need, do poor work, or take payment upfront and disappear.
Police in Ontario say homeowners often get a call from what looks like a local number, and many companies use foreign call centres to find leads. Rules differ by province. Ontario banned unsolicited door-to-door sales of duct cleaning and certain other household services in 2018 and gives a 10-day period to cancel a contract signed at home.
Red flags
- An unsolicited call or knock offering a very cheap service
- A caller ID that looks local but a company you don't know
- Pressure to say yes today, or a claim that a service is required
- A request to pay upfront
- A request for copies of your bills or personal details
Example message
Hi, we're in your neighbourhood this week with a special on air duct cleaning, 50 dollars for the whole house. Can I come by today? I just need a copy of your latest utility bill.
What to do
- 1
Say no and don't share bills or details
Never share personal information or copies of bills with a caller or door-to-door seller.
- 2
Ask for ID and everything in writing
Ask for photo ID and the names of the person and company, and get the offer in writing before agreeing.
- 3
Check your rights
Rules vary by province. In Ontario you can cancel a contract signed at home within 10 days for any reason. Check your province's consumer protection office.
- 4
If you paid, call your card issuer
Call your bank or card company and tell them. Keep the contract, receipts and any photos of the work.
- 5
Report it
Report to your local police or the RCMP and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Report it
Check if your details are exposed with Serus
Scammers find your number and address on data brokers and people-search sites. Serus removes them.
Why you got it
Scammers don't pick numbers and addresses at random. Names, phone numbers, home addresses and email addresses are easy to buy from people-search sites and data brokers, and they leak in breaches, which lets a caller or sender sound like they know you. Home service sellers often target homeowners using address lists, and a local-looking number makes the call feel legitimate. Serus finds where your details are listed and removes them from the sites that hold them, and alerts you when your data shows up in a breach, so fewer scammers can reach you.
Frequently asked
Is air duct cleaning itself a scam?
No. Cleaning companies exist. The scam is the unsolicited, very cheap offer, high pressure or upfront payment.
Can I cancel a contract I signed at home?
It depends on the province. In Ontario you can cancel for any reason within 10 days.
Can they just come to my door?
Rules vary. Ontario banned unsolicited door-to-door sales of duct cleaning and some other home services in 2018.
Who do I report it to?
Local police or the RCMP, and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.
Sources
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