Calgary police warn of furnace inspection scam targeting seniors

Calgary police are warning residents about an increase in reports of furnace inspection scams targeting seniors.

From Thursday, Aug. 10 to Sunday, Aug. 20, police say 10 reports were made indicating an unknown man claiming to work for the City of Calgary attempted to get permission to enter the homes of seniors to inspect their furnaces, and demanding payment.

Investigators say no money was exchanged in any of the reported incidents.

Generally speaking, police say fraudulent furnace salespeople go door-to-door telling residents they are building inspectors and that they must be allowed inside to inspect the home’s furnace or else the residents could face fines.

Once inside, the salespeople claim to find problems with the furnace and/or hot water tank and aggressively try to sell the homeowner new ones.

Police and the city are offering tips to Calgarians who are approached by an unknown furnace inspector.

They advise always asking for identification to confirm that people are who they say — legitimate door-to-door salespeople are required to have visible identification in Calgary.

City inspectors generally only visit homes by appointment, or in emergencies, they add, and will always have City of Calgary photo I.D. and drive marked City of Calgary vehicles.

Before allowing a contractor into your home, police and the city advise individuals to ensure they are dealing with an approved contracting company that is properly licensed and insured.

If you encounter a door-to-door salesperson or business without a business license, report it to 311.

If you are told your furnace doesn’t meet safety codes and must be replaced, you can often check this information with the city to make sure it’s true, according to police.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call the police at 403-266-1234 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.