Don’t Get, “Spiked” by Door to Door Solicitors

The notifications look very, “official” and notify residents (in Spanish) that a technician will be visiting the home at a specific time.

The BBB has learned that a similar scheme operated recently in Ventura County wherein representatives from a water filtration company would show up and upon agreement with the consumer, would begin installing water filtration devices almost immediately.

There are state and federal laws the provide consumers the right to cancel almost any consumer transaction for greater than $25.00 that takes place in the home or away from the seller’s place of business as long as they request to cancel with three days after signing the contract. If you agree to make a purchase in the home, such as for water filtration devices, and the company begins installing the device before the three-day period has passed, your contract has been, “spiked.” This means that because work has already begun you are obviously not motivated to exercise your right to cancel the agreement within three days.

The BBB has not discovered the identity of the company or individuals who are placing the door hangers on area residences but we warn to consumers to NOT allow any work to begin as a result of a contract signed in your home before the three-day period has passed.

The BBB of the Tri-Counties has years of experience with victims of scams and recommends that the public alert the BBB of the Tri-counties if you feel that you have been scammed. Please contact the BBB at 1-805-963-8657 or go to our site www.santabarbara.bbb.org