Community Protection advisory: telephone solicitors

11/01/2011

The Community Protection Unit (CPU) of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke would like to advise the community to be cautious when dealing with companies who are soliciting products by telephone.

Several community members have been contacted by a company and are led to believe that they must purchase their products to ensure their safety. In this particular case, a product that will filter the ‘unsafe’ water in Kahnawà:ke.

This is NOT the case. The water filtration plant and Environmental Health Services have confirmed that the quality of water in the community is excellent and safe for consumption, both on the water network and individual wells (when testing is requested).

The CPU is advising to proceed with caution when entering into an agreement with solicitors of these products, as they try to enhance their sales pitch with ‘free travel vouchers’ or other products.

In door-to-door soliciting, companies must apply for a Hawker’s and Peddler’s permit and endure a background check before soliciting. However, in this case, the soliciting is performed by telephone, so any background check of the company or visit to your home is at the risk and responsibility of the community member.

If you would like to report fraudulent activity or obtain further information, contact the Community Protection Unit at (450) 632-0635.