As the weather warms up, more salespeople start knocking on doors as a way to connect with potential new customers. That could include companies offering help for home improvement projects or ways to lower your energy bills like adding solar.

While many of these offers are legitimate, some can be confusing or misleading. Here are some red flags.

• Salespeople promising “free” items: If salespeople promise solar panels or heating and cooling system upgrades at “zero cost” with no strings attached, read the fine print. These can instead be high-interest loans or long-term leases.
• Urgent offers “ending soon”: Most rebate programs are open for a significant amount of time and don’t vanish overnight. (For example, Energy Trust’s support to help lower the cost of energy-saving equipment like Be wary of someone claiming an offer is “expiring tonight” or they have just “one spot left” in your neighborhood.
• Sign here “for more info”: There’s rarely a need to sign something on the spot. Reputable businesses would provide ample time for you to review any bids and check their references.
• Representatives saying they’re from the “energy company”: Utilities in Oregon have received reports of people impersonating utility workers as a way to potentially access homes. If utilities need to access a home for a safety check, they would schedule an appointment with the customer first. Energy Trust does not go door to door. You can also call your utility provider to see if workers are expected in your neighborhood.

How to protect yourself
If you run into any of these scenarios, here are some helpful reminders:

1. Ask for identification: Anyone going door to door should have a badge or a business card. If you have concerns about someone saying they’re from a utility company, you can report to the utility directly. If someone says they are from Energy Trust, you can contact Energy Trust at 1.866.368.7878 or email info@energytrust.org.

2. Don’t share personal info, including utility bills. Some misleading tactics may involve asking you to see your utility bill to “verify your eligibility” or “check your rate.” Your utility bill contains your account number. Someone could use this information to switch your provider without your consent or potentially for identity theft.

3. Pause to do your research. If you’re interested in the person’s offer you can

• Ask for a detailed proposal in writing
• Collect the salesperson’s contact information and say you’ll reach out after you review the proposal and company’s background
• If the company is a contractor, you can then check the Construction Contractors Board (CCB) to make sure they are licensed. You can also visit www.energytrust.org to find a list of trusted, verified contractors across the state.

4. Know your rights: If you do sign a contract, Oregon law (and the Federal Trade Commission) generally gives you three business days to cancel for a full refund.

Have you encountered a suspicious salesperson lately? You can report known scams to the Oregon Department of Justice at 1.877.877.9392 or check Energy Trust for the latest known scams and misleading sales practices reported.