ROCK HILL, S.C. — A Rock Hill man says he was the victim of a door-to-door salesman scam after he agreed to a one-time pest control service but was ultimately charged for more than he expected.
Caleb Scott says a representative from Hawx Smart Pest Control had been in the area offering services to neighbors and he decided to take the salesman up on the offer. He said he agreed to a one-time pest control spray for $49, but the costs didn't stop there.
“Oh my goodness I have a draft from this company again," Scott said. "I immediately before I even get out of bed send them an email. This is incorrect, I was assured this was a one-time fee. Not OK.”
The company responded by explaining to Scott that he was under a service contract and it would be $200 to cancel.
“What she said was after the service they sent me an email and when I clicked on that email that acknowledged that I agreed to a year-long contract," Scott said.
Experts at the Better Business Bureau (BBB) say when it comes to door-to-door salesman approaching you first, the law in North and South Carolina is on your side.
“With that, you have a three-day right to cancel that contract," BBB President Tom Bartholomy said.
WCNC Charlotte is always asking "where's the money?" If you need help, reach out to WCNC Charlotte by emailing money@wcnc.com.
It's also important that you state that cancellation in writing. Scott also decided to file a complaint with the BBB.
More than 250 complaints have been filed against Hawx Pest Control in the last year. The Utah-based company has several locations across the country. Many customers shared similar scenarios to Scott.
“The sales rep was not honest with me," one customer wrote. "I would like to cancel the subscription given the false information."
“These guys took advantage of her," another complaint said. "We want the company to do the right thing and return her money.”
The BBB suggests exercising caution whenever you encounter a door-to-door salesman.
“You gotta take a breath, take a step back and say, 'This sounds interesting,'" Bartholomy said. "'It sounds like something I might want to do, but I need to check you out first.'"
Hawx Pest Control issued a statement to WCNC Charlotte following the incident:
"We are currently reaching out to Mr. Scott to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and we apologize for any confusion. We will be conducting an investigation into whether our policies were not followed. Hawx always adheres to the three day right of rescission and we strive to communicate thoroughly in all our interactions."
Contact Briana Harper at bharper@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.