Energy Conservation Services
Ontario Home ProtectionFind BBB Accredited Businesses in Energy Conservation Services.
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- Additional Info:In June 2020, BBB files indicated that this business had a pattern of complaints concerning misleading sales practices. Specifically, consumers alleged that representatives called them unsolicited and implied they were from the government and offered rebates and/or credits. Consumers also advised they were told that signing a contract with Ontario Home Protection would save them money on their energy bills which did not occur. Additionally, complainants were promised paperwork in the mail that outlined the terms and cancellation details of their contract which never arrived.
On June 2, 2020, BBB submitted a written request to the company encouraging them to address the pattern of complaints. The business has not responded to the concerns to date.
In August 2022, BBB staff reviewed the complaints on file to determine if the pattern of complaints was resolved. While we have not received recent reports of unsolicited sales calls, many complainants allege that they are being contacted by a collection agency regarding contracts they never agreed to during the periods of 2019 to 2021.
BBB suggests to exercise caution when dealing with unsolicited offers over the phone. Government agencies do not make unsolicited calls. Take the time to research the company and guard your personal information carefully. Never share your personal information with a stranger on the phone, in an email, on a social media network, or otherwise. Keep careful records of your transactions by reviewing your bank and credit card statements regularly. - Pending Government Action:Government Action: BBB reports on known government actions involving business’ marketplace conduct:Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission vs. Ontario Home Protection Inc
The following describes a pending government action that has been formally brought by a government agency but has not yet been resolved. We are providing a summary of the government's allegations, which have not yet been proven.
On December 8, 2021, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) issued the following Notice of Violation to Ontario Home Protection Inc:
Pursuant to section 72.07 of the Telecommunications Act, S.C. 1993, c. 38 (the Act), the undersigned has issued this notice of violation finding Ontario Home Protection Inc. to have committed the following violations contrary to the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission's (CRTC's) Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules (the Rules) made under section 41 of the Act:
On and between 13 January 2018 and 30 April 2021, telemarketing telecommunications were made on behalf of Ontario Home Protection Inc. resulting in violations of:
- Part II, section 4 of the Rules, which states that a telemarketer shall not initiate, and a client of a telemarketer shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure that the telemarketer does not initiate, a telemarketing telecommunication to a consumer's telecommunications number that is on the National DNCL, unless express consent has been provided by such consumer to be contacted via a telemarketing telecommunication by that telemarketer or the client of that telemarketer;
- Part II, section 7 of the Rules, which states that a telemarketer shall not initiate a telemarketing telecommunication on behalf of a client unless that client is a registered subscriber of the National DNCL and the applicable fees to the National DNCL operator associated with that client's subscription have been paid;
- Part III, section 15 of the Rules, which states that a telemarketer shall not initiate, and a client of a telemarketer shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure that the telemarketer does not initiate, a telemarketing telecommunication on behalf of the client to a consumer who is or should be on the client's do not call list; and
- Part III, section 23 of the Rules, which states that, subject to section 24, a telemarketing telecommunication is restricted to the following hours: 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays (Monday to Friday); and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekends (Saturday and Sunday). The hours refer to those of the consumer receiving the telemarketing telecommunication.
Pursuant to section 72.16 of the Act, a person is liable for a violation that is committed by an employee of the person acting in the course of the employee's employment, or by an agent or mandatary of the person acting within the scope of the agent's or mandatary's authority, whether or not the employee or agent or mandatary who actually committed the violation is identified or proceeded against.
Pursuant to section 72.01 of the Act, the undersigned has determined that the total penalty for the violations identified is $160,000.
The penalty of $160,000 must be paid to "The Receiver General for Canada" in accordance with subsection 72.09(3) of the Act.
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