A knock at your door could cost you thousands. Despite increased awareness, door-to-door scams continue to target Ottawa residents—from fake contractors to utility fraudsters to charity imposters. Your home should be your safe place, not a target.
Learning to recognize door-to-door scams protects your property, your money, and your peace of mind.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Common door-to-door scams include fake utility workers, fraudulent contractors, deceptive sales, and charity imposters. Never let strangers inside, don’t sign anything at the door, and verify all identities. Ontario banned most door-to-door energy sales—legitimate companies don’t operate this way.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Peak Times | Summer, post-storm |
| 📍 Targets | Homeowners, seniors |
| 🎟️ Report To | Ottawa Police, Consumer Protection |
| ⏰ Cooling Off | 10 days for most door sales |
Common Door-to-Door Scams
Fake Utility Workers
Impersonating trusted services:
The Approach:
- Claims to be from Hydro Ottawa, Enbridge, etc.
- Says they need to check your meter/equipment
- Asks to come inside
- May create distraction while accomplice steals
Red Flags:
- No appointment was scheduled
- No proper identification
- Creates urgency about safety issue
- Wants to see basement/meter alone
- Ask for payment at the door
Reality:
- Utilities rarely visit unannounced
- Workers carry proper ID
- Will schedule appointments
- Never request cash payment
Storm Chasers
Appearing after bad weather:
The Scam:
- Shows up after storm damage
- Claims your roof/siding needs immediate repair
- Offers “special price” for neighborhood work
- Requests large deposit immediately
- Work is poor quality or never completed
Warning Signs:
- Unsolicited offer
- Pressure for immediate decision
- Large upfront payment requested
- No local business address
- Cash only or unusual payment
Illustrative image only.
Energy Sales (Banned)
Know the law:
Ontario Ban:
- Door-to-door sales of energy contracts banned since 2017
- Includes electricity, natural gas, water heaters
- Legitimate energy companies do NOT sell door-to-door
- Anyone doing so is breaking the law
If They Come:
- Don’t engage
- Report to Consumer Protection Ontario
- Document the company name
- Contact Ottawa Police if pressured
Driveway/Paving Scams
Targeting homeowners:
The Pitch:
- “We have leftover material from a nearby job”
- “Special one-time price”
- “Cash discount available”
- “We can start today”
The Result:
- Thin layer of material that doesn’t last
- Price escalates once work starts
- Poor quality workmanship
- Company disappears
- Driveway worse than before
Fake Charity Collectors
Exploiting generosity:
Tactics:
- Claim to represent legitimate charity
- Emotional appeals about children, veterans, etc.
- Vague about how money is used
- Cash only preferred
- High-pressure for immediate donation
Verification:
- Ask for charity registration number
- Check CRA’s list of registered charities
- Donate directly to charities you know
- Request written information to review
Your Rights and Protections
Ontario Consumer Protection
Know the law:
10-Day Cooling Off Period:
- Most door-to-door sales
- Cancel in writing within 10 days
- Full refund required
- No reason needed
Contract Requirements:
- Must be in writing for most services
- Copy must be provided immediately
- Cancellation information must be clear
Banned Practices:
- Energy contract door-to-door sales
- Unfair contract terms
- Misleading claims
What You Can Do
At your door:
Your Home, Your Rules:
- You don’t have to answer the door
- You don’t have to engage with sellers
- You can ask anyone to leave your property
- You don’t have to explain yourself
Ask Questions:
- Company name and address
- Business license information
- Written references
- Proof of insurance
- Take time to verify
Illustrative image only.
Protecting Yourself
At the Door
Immediate steps:
Don’t:
- Let strangers inside
- Sign anything immediately
- Pay cash at the door
- Feel pressured to decide quickly
- Share personal information
Do:
- Ask for identification
- Request business card and references
- Take time to verify
- Close and lock door if uncomfortable
- Call police if someone won’t leave
Verify Before Trusting
How to check:
Company Verification:
- Look up business independently
- Check Better Business Bureau
- Verify license numbers with city
- Ask for local references
- Search for reviews online
Utility Workers:
- Call company directly (find number yourself)
- Ask worker to wait outside while you verify
- Request appointment rescheduling
- Legitimate workers will understand
Home Security
Deterrence measures:
- “No Soliciting” sign
- Doorbell camera
- Don’t open door to strangers
- Keep storm door locked
- Let it ring if you’re uncomfortable
Legitimate vs. Scam
Signs of Legitimacy
Trustworthy services:
- Scheduled appointments
- Proper identification
- Written estimates
- No pressure for immediate decision
- Local business address
- References available
- Licensed and insured
- Accept various payment methods
Scam Indicators
Warning signs:
- Appears unannounced
- Pressure for immediate decision
- Cash only
- “Special deal” today only
- Can’t provide verifiable references
- Gets aggressive when questioned
- Won’t provide written information
- Story doesn’t add up
If You’ve Been Victimized
Take Action
Steps to take:
- Stop payment if possible (contact bank/credit card)
- Document everything—contracts, receipts, descriptions
- Exercise cooling off period (10 days for most sales)
- Report to Ottawa Police: 613-236-1222
- Contact Consumer Protection Ontario: 1-800-889-9768
- File complaint with BBB
Recovery Options
Your recourse:
- Cooling off period cancellation
- Dispute credit card charges
- Small claims court (under $35,000)
- Consumer Protection Ontario complaint
- Civil legal action
Reporting
Where to Report
Ottawa Police Service:
- Non-emergency: 613-236-1222
- For immediate concerns or someone won’t leave
Consumer Protection Ontario:
- 1-800-889-9768
- ontario.ca/page/consumer-protection-ontario
Competition Bureau:
- 1-800-348-5358
- competitionbureau.gc.ca
Better Business Bureau:
- bbb.org
- Check and report businesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all door-to-door sales scams? A: No, some are legitimate (certain charities, political campaigns). But many scams use this method. Be cautious and verify everything.
Q: Can I ban solicitors from my property? A: Yes. A “No Soliciting” sign may help deter some. You can ask anyone to leave your property. If they refuse, that’s trespassing.
Q: What if I already signed a contract? A: You have a 10-day cooling off period for most door-to-door sales in Ontario. Cancel in writing immediately.
Q: My elderly parent signed something—what can I do? A: Act quickly on the cooling off period. Contact Consumer Protection Ontario. Consider reporting to police if fraud is involved.
Q: How do I verify if someone is really from my utility? A: Call your utility company directly using the number on your bill or their official website. Legitimate workers carry photo ID.
Final Thoughts
Door-to-door scams persist because they work—but they work best against unprepared targets. By knowing your rights, recognizing warning signs, and maintaining healthy skepticism, you can protect yourself and your home.
Remember: You are under no obligation to answer your door, engage with strangers, or make decisions on the spot. Legitimate businesses understand this. Scammers rely on catching you off-guard and pressuring you before you can think clearly.
When in doubt, close the door, take time to verify, and trust your instincts.
Source: Consumer Protection Ontario, Ottawa Police Service, Competition Bureau Canada - Compiled for Via Ottawa readers.
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