Unscheduled Hot Water Tank Inspection
So, someone claiming to be from some company I'd never heard of before today rang my doorbell and informed me that he was here to do an inspection of my hot water tank rental. Which is odd, because, well, I hadn't scheduled an inspection with the provider of my rental, and my provider had never indicated to me that this particular company was involved in the inspection or maintenance of my hot water tank.
So, I replied that I hadn't scheduled an inspection, and could I see the work order? The guy quickly changed tack and told me it'd only take a few moments, and it'd probably save me tons of money every year. Of course, if he wasn't prepared to provide me with a work order, and that I don't have a business relationship with his company, why would I let him in the house to inspect my hot water tank?
"Is your tank with DirectEnergy?"
"No."
"How about *insert other company name here?"
"I'm not about to divulge that information. Unless of course you'd be willing to provide me with your home address, social insurance number, credit card number and your driver's licence?"
The man stared at me blankly for a moment. Obviously, I smelled fish, and he seemed insulted by my demands.
To break the silence, I said, "Besides, we have a tankless water heater, and it's owned. Good day."
I slammed shut the door and locked it. I have a feeling this was one of those energy companies that goes door to door trying to sell you useless energy contracts that have AMAZING RATES* that will lock in your energy costs at low low rates for a long long time**. Anyway, if people like this come to your door asking for your hydro bill or to be let in to your house to inspect such and such or whatnot, please, ask them for their SIN, driver's license and credit card. They'll get the idea really fast.
*Amazing rates applicable for first 3 hours of contract. Rates after introductory rate is 185% market rate. Offer not valid in Quebec.
**By signing this contract, you abrogate your right to ever get out of this contract, and promise to the company to pay a minimum $6000 every year more than you would spend. Initial in blood: _____
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1 comment postedWe used to get a lot of door-to-door people claiming to be with our provider or the city, saying they need to see my bill, or see the furnace or water tank, or add insulation to my pipes, or install CFLs to save me power (for free!). They get so grumpy or defensive when I ask for ID, and refuse them entry because their ID isn't from any company I deal with. One even tried to pull the racism card on me! Jeeze! In this day and age I don't trust anyone that comes to my door without proper ID - that's how thieves find out what you have to steal!