Imagine a door-to-door solicitor pressuring you to purchase a home security system. He claims he can waive all installation fees and provide a 30-day right to cancel. However, after signing up, you notice unauthorized installation charges on your bank statements and unsuccessfully try to cancel the service. Similar situations have caused many consumers to file complaints with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
In the past five months, the Ohio Attorney General’s Office has resolved claims against three security companies: Platinum Protection LLC, Vivint Inc., and Vision Security LLC. The various actions involved alleged violations of the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act and the Home Solicitation Sales Act.
The Ohio Attorney General alleged that the prices on the contracts for monitoring fees were higher than the prices quoted verbally, that the companies failed to provide proper notification of consumers’ three-day right to cancel, and that the companies failed to honor notices of cancellation when consumers quickly mailed, faxed, or delivered the notice to the companies.
Know your consumer rights before you encounter a door-to-door solicitor:
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In door-to-door sales of $25 or more, sellers must give consumers three days to cancel. The seller cannot install the product or perform any work within those three days.
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The seller must provide a written agreement and written cancellation notice. Make sure to read the contract and confirm that all of the verbal representations are accurately noted in the contract. If it’s not in the contract, it does not become part of the agreement.
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If the consumer cancels the contract, the seller must provide a refund within 10 business days. Mondays through Saturdays count as business days. Sundays and federal holidays are not considered business days.
If you suspect a scam or unfair business practice, file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at
www.OhioAttorneyGeneral.gov or call 800-282-0515.