Consumer Protection BC orders 15-year ban for door-to-door salesman

Business Ordered to Refund Consumers Over $4,000

VICTORIA, Dec. 11, 2013 /CNW/ - 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 BC for a 15-year period.

A 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 BC consumers (for a total of $4,076) and to reimburse Consumer Protection BC for partial investigation costs ($700). Please visit www.consumerprotectionbc.ca to view the details of both Orders.

"We were extremely concerned when consumers came forward with information about Lloyd Schell's sales practices," says Manjit Bains, Vice President of Corporate Relations at Consumer Protection BC. "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 five-year Direct Sales Prohibition Order was issued by Consumer Protection BC against Schell for 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. Please visit www.consumerprotectionbc.ca to read a backgrounder.

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, please visit www.consumerprotectionbc.ca or call 1-888-564-9963.

About Consumer Protection BC:
Consumer Protection BC is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to strengthening consumer protection in BC and enforcing BC's consumer protection laws. Our vision is confident consumers and trusted businesses in a thriving marketplace. We license and inspect specific industries including the travel industry, respond to inquiries through our Inquiry Centre, investigate alleged violations of consumer protection laws, and educate consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities under the law. For more information about our organization, please visit our corporate website at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca. You can also follow Consumer Protection BC on Twitter @ConsumerProBC, like us on Facebook and read our blog for valuable consumer tips and resources.

SOURCE: Consumer Protection BC

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