After a summer of parking RV’s, boats and regular wear and tear, residents may be thinking of repairing their driveway before the snow flies but the government warns against unlicensed parties doing the work.

Within the province of Saskatchewan, door-to-door salespersons and companies are required to hold a licence through The Direct Sellers Act, and you may be at risk of being scammed by entering into agreements with those who are not licensed.

The Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority of Saskatchewan (FCAA) recently received information that EM ROAD SEAL may be visiting homeowners regarding driveway repairs and paving.

FCAA urges consumers to take precautions to protect themselves against fraud and when entering into any agreement with companies and persons who are not licensed. Steps that you can take to ensure service and legitimacy include the following:
• Check the validity of a direct seller licence number on FCAA411 (http://fcaa.gov.sk.ca/fcaa411 ).
• Get everything in writing and create a formal contract with clear expectations of the work to be done and the time frame that the work has to be completed in.
• Do not provide a blank cheque.

If you have been contacted by EM ROAD SEAL or any other unlicensed door-to-door salespersons, contact the Consumer Protection Division at 1-877-880-5550, or consumerprotection@gov.sk.ca