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OBSERVER QUESNEL - CARIBOO
SINCE 1908
Friday, January 3, 2014
VOL. 100 NO. 36
www.quesnelobserver.com
PM 40005365
Buyer beware
1
$ 30
includes GST
AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter After two Gold Pan residents brought forth information on a recent door-to-door salesman, Consumer Protection BC stepped in. Now, Consumer Protection BC is advising consumers that a direct sales prohibition order has been issued against Lloyd Schell and his water filtration company, Vin Water Systems, prohibiting the door-to-door salesman from engaging in direct sales within B.C. for a 15-year period. As Consumer Protection BC investigation found Schell had contravened several sections of the Business Practices and Consumer Protection Act, by engaging in deceptive acts or practices, using contracts that didn’t contain required information and failing to issue refunds after consumers cancelled their contracts. In addition to the direct sales prohibition order, Consumer Protection BC has issued a compliance order that requires Schell to refund two impacted B.C. consumers (for a total of $4,076) and to reimburse Consumer Protection BC for partial investigation costs ($700). “We were extremely concerned when consumers came forward with information about Lloyd Schell’s sales practices,” Vice President of Corporate Relations at Consumer Protection BC, Manjit Bains said. “The length of this ban is significant. Based on the findings of our investigation, these actions are appropriate given his current and past business practices.” This is the second time in eight years the salesman has faced such an order – in 2005, a fiveyear Direct Sales Prohibition Order was issued by Consumer Protection BC against Schell for, what they called, “using misleading sales tactics, using undue pressure against vulnerable seniors, grossly overcharging for products, using contracts that didn’t contain required information and failing to issue refunds after consumers cancelled their contracts. Schell has 30 days to request a reconsideration of these decisions, as it is his right under the law. For consumer tips, information about direct sales contracts or the details about Consumer Protection BC’s enforcement tools, visit www. consumerprotectionbc.ca or call 1-888-5649963.
Happy
New Years
Winter wonderland Jacquie Savard (front) and Anita Dobie take in the fresh snow and scenic atmosphere during a snowshoe session at West Fraser Timber Park. Karen Powell photo
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Deb Quick offers all travel services as a Flight Centre Travel Agency. www.AskDeb.ca
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