After my first article “How to choose a Service Provider”, I was asked for advise on how to recognize potentially bad companies and their representatives.
The Warning Signs:
The following are warning signs of companies you may want to stay away from:
- Those that are unknown or have a negative reputation in the eyes of your local Professionals (Doctor, Coroner, Police Officer, Funeral Director or Lawyer, etc.)
- A company that cannot offer immediate proof of liability insurance or WSIB Clearance.
- Those who claims to be “Approved or Licensed” to provide these trauma remediation services. (There is no government approval or licensing requirement in Ontario).
- Those who claim to be “Certified” to provide trauma remediation services. (Certification or a certificate of attendance can be obtained by a simple online course).
- Anyone who will not provide a detailed, written estimate upon request.
- Those that promise the customer pays nothing and the insurance company will pay for everything.
- Companies that offer pricing that is different from an private individual to an insurance company.
- Anyone that offers a cash deals or no invoice/no tax discounts.
- Having less than 10 years of direct experience in trauma remediation and decontamination.
- Individuals that search for money, valuables, insurance papers or any other items with your initial request or permission.
- Anyone who pressures you to authorize the work.
- Companies or individuals that you feel uncomfortable with. Your own feeling or instinct is usually the right one.
- Companies or individuals lacking respect and discretion.