Portage la Prairie RCMP are reminding you to be careful, as a bizarre sales scheme is reported in the city. Constable Sean O'Keefe says they've been receiving reports of door-to-door salesmen in the city, who approach residents in construction areas, telling them they need home improvements mandated by the city, such as during the period of new water meter installation in Portage. In checking with city staff, RCMP determined there was no work currently being mandated by the city, and these individuals were taking advantage of Portage homeowners.

"They do offer a legitimate service, it's just their sales technique is not the most upfront and honest. They'll go to places where there's proposed work being done, and take advantage of --for lack of a better word-- the ignorance of homeowners for not knowing the city has not told the company to go and do these home improvements."

There have been a number of these cases reported within the city, and both the city and RCMP are asking you to ensure you request proper identification and city sales permits before signing any permissions to do the work. Some of the work being offered by these individuals include upgrades to water filtration, electrical, or heating.

While it's suspicious, it may not necessarily be illegal. Those telling residents the work is mandatory have the homeowners sign contracts, which are legally binding. O'Keefe says the RCMP continues to investigate the situation, to see just what action can be taking.

"We're trying to determine if there's any criminal action that can be taken at this time but the information we have no suggests it's more of a civil manner. It's a buyer beware situation, if somebody is entering into a legal contract with a company they should take not of any stipulations, conditions, terms, and agreements in that contract before they sign."

Anyone hoping to learn more about these types of instances, or have come in contact with these individuals can contact the local RCMP or the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.