Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority (FCAA) is warning Saskatchewan residents about door-to-door driveway repair scams. Some salespeople may not be licensed or may use leftover materials that result in low quality work.

If a salesperson is coming to your door wanting to pave your driveway, they need to be licensed under the Direct Sellers Act.  Licensed salespersons are regulated to ensure that consumers are protected from harmful practices.

Scammers often come, unlicensed, door-to-door and offer “on the spot” driveway repair using leftover materials from other projects.  The driveway may look good initially but may crumble and crack as it dries.

Be cautious if a salesperson makes the price sound “too good to be true”, pressures you into buying immediately or claim that you’ll “lose a deal”.

When dealing with a door-to-door salesperson, make sure that:

-Everything is documented in writing, that you agree to the expectations of the work, that a price is set and there is a timeframe of when work is to be completed;

-Ask questions when you do not understand something;

-You are not pressured into buying on the spot; 

-You do not write them a blank cheque;

-Check to see if they have property damage and liability insurance;

-Check if they are listed on the Better Business Bureau directory. If they are listed, read their customer reviews to make sure you are hiring someone who does work you like.