Model/colour: Ford F150 XTR/Black
License plate number: AX 46612
Address: 25 Settlers Court Whitby ON L1M2L3
On May 26 '21, I scheduled an appointment with Quality Affordable Pest Control [QAPC] to exterminate rodents. The owner, Rocco Beninato [who also operates Empire Wildlife Removal], stated they will extract the rodents for $185 + tax [$209.05 total]. On May 28 '21, their exterminator, Joe, showed up at 9am and immediately stated it's rats, increased the price, threw Tide Pods in the walls, and "installed" a rat trap for a new grand total of $435. No tax if I paid in cash [which I did] after they followed me to the bank. No rats were extracted, but they'll die outside eventually in 4 weeks according to them. Before payment, the two brothers [Joe and Rocco] did not want to issue an invoice. They sent poorly typed e-mails to state some service was done and provided a fake business address of an empty lot.
After they drove off, I wanted an e-mail confirming my 6 month warranty. Rocco twice sent replies with the wrong date and admits it was a typeo. Along these lines, Empire Wildlife Removal/QAPC have scams written all over them. A complaint was sent to the Competition Bureau and will continue to send statements to the bureau. I will also submit a Google Review, they'll obviously say I have the wrong company, but e-mail statements will prove otherwise.
Scams should not happen to anyone. I highly encourage consumers to click here when they have experienced unethical business practices. Here are a few tips/red flags for the consumer:
1. The telephone operator should state the name of their business. In this case, she answered "Pest Control" as opposed to the actual company name. Other examples can be "locksmith," "repair," or "mechanic."
2. They immediately upsell. When they tell you a brand new price after a phone consulation, it's best to tell them to either stick with the original price or not to advance their service. Call the police if they don't leave and state they're trespassing. Avoid 911, it's not an emergency. Have a direct number to your police division.
3. Ask for an invoice before paying. If they don't issue one, keep hold of the money until they provide some sort of service has been proven on their end. An invoice provides all the information on their end FOR YOU. Their information MUST be presented.
4. Ask your family and friends. Post on social media about a problem and see who responds. It's always best to hire someone with a legit track record as opposed to checking up on Google.
5. Don't believe online reviews. Simple statement. Ask people you know.
6. Take it to social media. Whether one person or a thousand people see it, it's out there in public view.
7. Ask them to present a license or ID if they do not have a uniform or company car.
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