[LittleDog]

In the 7 years we have been here we have been lucky not to have been scammed and we have hired contractors who have been fair. However, I have to say that when we moved in we did purchase a system from one of these people much to my regret later. What was interesting and should have been a red flag was when this women was in the house another water treatment company called me and I told them that I was purchasing from another company. Then he started to tell me that I should check with the police about the owner of this company's criminal record. This went on for a couple of phone calls. In any case I purchased this system and it was working fine until last year when it somehow broke and produced discolored water in all my faucets and my ice maker. I then called another plumber who was recommended on TOTV and he managed to clear out my lines and I purchased a system from Sears which he installed.

As an aside to all this when I purchased my original water system I did receive a lot of laundry soap and bath soaps as a "gift". We are still using them.

The wife of my cousin who lives here also worked for that "Welcome Wagon" company and they are legit. She no longer works for them.

John

[Carmpat]

We are moving into our new home in 2 weeks. Just great to hear that. Our friends came in December and while they were unloading their boxes somone appoached them. It sounds like they don't even give anyone a break. We will be on the lookout for these folks and say no thank you. Maybe they won't show up because it will too hot. Who knows but I doubt it.

[CarGuys]

Originally Posted by Carmpat

We are moving into our new home in 2 weeks. Just great to hear that. Our friends came in December and while they were unloading their boxes somone appoached them. It sounds like they don't even give anyone a break. We will be on the lookout for these folks and say no thank you. Maybe they won't show up because it will too hot. Who knows but I doubt it.

Carm! Pat! Deep Breath you have friends to guide you.

[TheHonestOne]

I am not a homeowner in the Villages but want to say those of you who are talking about the scam being run by those selling water systems are correct. The truth is this: They sell you an over priced system simply because the more money they get from you the larger their profit. The system itself isn't a bad system but where they scam you worse is in not telling you about the services they want you to get every year that you may not need if you are not here all the time. They want you to buy their products at an over priced rate when you can get similar quality at retail stores. Then they want you to replace filters and other services months before they are due. If you buy from a local company PLEASE beware that they will try to scam you into services you do not currently need by lying and saying they are only in your area for that certain day and I can promise IT IS A LIE. You are best to buy from Sears or other stores than wasting a large amount of money on their commission

[gamby]

We haven't moved in yet (July)

In our town here a permit must be gotten from the town to go door to door.

The village should do the same .

[mulligan]

they do. A no solicitation policy is in place. If anyone bothers you, call community watch. Or, cut the dog loose.

[rhredd1654]

If I remember correctly, the "welcome wagon" lady's name is Liz. She just came in while I was unpacking. Yes, I thought she was a legitimate representative of The Villages. The water guy's name was Robert.

[bonrich]

I just tell the rep that my home up North had well water and was hard and skunky. The water here to me is great, no complaints at all! Always works......

[shcisamax]

When she came back for her appointment after I told her I was too busy on the moving day, I asked for her card (with The Villages Welcome Wagon). She said, "I never said I was with the Villages" "I'm with the Chamber of Commerce". I asked for that card. "Well, I am not with the Chamber of Commerce, my company is". Then that company wasn't the company she is really with. At the end of the day, she is not with anyone but her company and she is using more credble names to "sell" her product.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by bonrich

I just tell the rep that my home up North had well water and was hard and skunky. The water here to me is great, no complaints at all! Always works......

I have no problem with the untreated water.

[kgentile1010]

Originally Posted by A-4 Skyhawk

Oh . . . . I see. I'll sleep better at night after finding that out. Ummm is right.

When you push the red button, they take a picture of you and your vehicle. Although anyone can get in, they have a record of the people who don't have a pass.

[asianthree]

i like letting the dogs out may scare a few of the walk ups of course ours would look up and then go back to sleep

[Ripcord13]

We were also an almost victim of this scam, the woman repsents herself as a Villages welcomer to new residents and touts the water filtration system she also gives you a bunch of cheap usless gifts. The next day a water filtration salesman arrives and puts on a great "magic show" along with showing pictures of clogged water pipes and a completely clogged up water heater, and claims that the pipes are only three years old totaly phony. Then after his 30 min presentation he tries to get you to buy a $5,000 system, NOW not later. In my opinion these people should be arrested.

[dkrhardy]

I'm sorry that you folks had to go through all of that, but I'm also happy that you have shared with us ... so we can politely show them the door from minute one!
Don & Kaz

[CaptJohn]

Originally Posted by shcisamax

When she came back for her appointment after I told her I was too busy on the moving day, I asked for her card (with The Villages Welcome Wagon). She said, "I never said I was with the Villages" "I'm with the Chamber of Commerce". I asked for that card. "Well, I am not with the Chamber of Commerce, my company is". Then that company wasn't the company she is really with. At the end of the day, she is not with anyone but her company and she is using more credble names to "sell" her product.

Thanks for the follow up post. That certainly has the elements of a scam. Maybe you should post her name and company name or photograph of her card if she finally produced one.

A phrase that I use for which there is no comeback is: "I don't buy from solicitors." Repeat as often as necessary!