613-225-4770

This is breathe ez homes Ottawa.  They call doing a survey about air quality, and call the next day saying you won a prize and you have to sit through a presentation with a high pressure sales rep.

They called me as well after I did the survey. Said I'd won a prize... blah, blah, blah. Some trip. I cancelled the arranged meeting.

I got the same call and cancelled my appointment with them.

They call you; you do a survey; then they call and say you won a prize.

The guy on the first call said he worked for a different company, not Breathe Easy.  He asked for my first name only saying that he needed to prove to his supervisor that his survey wasn't faked.  I gave a fake name because I didn't trust them -- I am extremely experienced with proper surveying science and market research, and this survey did not sound like it was a proper survey.

One or two days later, a young woman named "Ellie" said I won a prize -- some kitchen gadget chopper or a two day free vacation in places across Canada or the US.

She wanted my address at which point I said that I had an appointment (to get her off the phone) and would call her back.  She gave the phone number 613.225.4770 and said I could call back as late as 9 p.m.

I am not calling back (and if she calls back, I will simply decline and ask my name be removed from their list).

Same thing, last week got a call to do a survey, followed up a few days later to say I won a prize, but they have to drop it off and want me to give my opinions on their product. I did not clue in before giving out my address... so after reading these posts I tried to call the number back to cancel the appointment, but no one is picking up, and no answering machine. Will find a reason to be out the night of the appointment!

I had several calls from an unavailable number to which I eventually responded to (picked up one day I was expected an overseas call from a relative).  This was a survey asking various questions about age of house, allergies etc. and asked if they could call back in case I won a prize.  Then I started receiving calls from 613-225-4770 which I have not answered but which call display identifies as Breathe-E-Z Homes.  I am on the national "Do Not Call" list.

A search on this name reveals a CRTC ruling in 2010 against this company for pursuing the tactic of a survey/prize as a prelude to a telemarketing call even to "Do Not Call" listed numbers - exactly what appears to be happening now:

http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2010/2010-572.htm

The survey was conducted by a Philippines-based company SPT Business Processing Outsourcing services.  The CRTC ruling addressed the fact that even if someone on the DNC list agreed to being called by this company for a survey and to accept a prize, the resultant telemarketing call from Breathe E-Z Homes violated the "Do Not Call"-related section of the Telecommunications Act.

A name search also reveals activity in the Calgary area on number 403-770-0522 for which the "Who Calls Me" listing is very telling:  the "prize" comes personally delivered to your house with a salesperson promoting $3000 vacuum cleaners - there are 8 pages of comments there.

The CRTC only successfully proved two violations in 2010 and fined the company $1000 for each one - so given the cost of the products they are selling, the fine is probably just an acceptable business expense.

I received a call the other day from Breathe EZ Homes, answered their brief questions, then today received another call informing wishing me luck in the $500 draw and informing me that I had won the daily draw of a trip or Top Chop Chopper.  I chose the Top Chop Chopper since I was wary of time-share scams re: trips and then foolishly I gave my address (stupid, stupid, I know!) and I made an appointment for them to drop off the gift at 1:30 tomorrow, Then she said that whoever came would be doing a short demonstration for an air purifier.  When I told her my husband would not be home (I told her that his company was under renovations and that he was working until at least 11:00PM and on weekends) for the next couple of months) she gave me an Ottawa number (the same one that comes up on the caller display) - 613-225-4770 and told ME to call THEM when we would both be home!  Imagine, I apparently won the gift, but have to call them to actually get it!!  Oh well, since I was pleasant and acted like I WAS interested, maybe (just maybe) they won't hassle me.  Yup, wishful thinking, I know.  I'll just keep stringing them along.  My mother always told me that you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.  I wish I had of thought to check on-line after the first call!!  I would have, SHOULD HAVE known better than to give my address.  Just like the several times this has happened before to many other people, next time I hope I'll remember to know better.  When caught up in the moment, how easy it is to forget that when it sounds too good to be true, it really is too good to be true.

Exact same story as above.  Did the survey, started getting the calls.  Turns out I too won the daily draw.  Booked an appt to have my free trip package delivered, giving them my address.  Would have to sit through a demonstration.  I normally am sort of rude to telemarketers, not sure how I got into this situation!  Once I told my husband, he put the brakes on it and I called back to cancel.  Someone did answer and was polite and everything.  Hope this is the end of it.  Be wary of people calling, nothing is free!

i too agree that B R H is going about this the totally wrong way if u want to help ppl than do just that. dont trick them into thinking they won free gifts. do real surveys and find real customers not ppl pressured into buying. whole big scam of getting in your home to give u a presentation could be more reputable and hold more value if it were with all best intensions no lies no scams

SCAM!!!!
It's just a matter of time,
Breathe ez homes will eventually be shut down, owners will be brought to justice just like any other fraud company. Best thing to do is to stay away from that company in any way.

Hi guys - just got a call that I won : ) I picked up their number: 1-877-214-1442 and said that I will check their web before talking to them. Here I am : ) I would highly recommend everybody to report any frauds to http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/scams-fraudes/tf-ft-eng.htm. Let's fight together.

Here is a number to report this company to,
1 888 459 8501  
Don't be shy.

Sounds like everybody won the prize????...They called my house twice this morning 10:23 am and 11:03 am. I missed the first one because I was in the bathroom and then phone rang again 11:03 am. Usually I don't pick up any telemarketing calls such as 1-877.xxxx something like that...But this was different. There was caller ID  as Breathe Easy Home and area code 613 so I answered the phone without doubt...The girl had a heavy accent and asked for my boyfriend so I told her if I needed to take a message because my BF wasn't home at that point. The girl said it was about survey and free estimation and she would call him back. In the evening my BF came home and he called the number and figured out it was scam....so he requested to remove our phone number from the list but they said it would take 1 month...that means they would bug us another month??? Are you serious??? I am just sick and tired of these kind of scammers. They always disturb me when I am sleeping after night shift previous day!!! If you want to run business, do something normal and follow business ethics!!! Easy come Easy go...that's how money plays with human race!!! Is there any law to control  those annoying companies??

Same story but the sales rep sold my elderly mother $4000 Vacuum and air filters and told her that she had 10 days to return the items.  Buyer Beware - 10 days starts on the date of sale regardless of the time of day.

Dont let them in

Read the 6th

VANCOUVER— This year’s Top Ten Scams list focuses on how scammers can use misrepresentation to gain consumers’ trust.


“We are seeing trends towards spoofing well-known brands and ‘scams of the moment’ which capture people’s attention because the topic is in the public consciousness,” says Lynda Pasacreta, BBB President and CEO. “Scammers are capitalizing by using false pretences to get our attention and steal our trust.”

The following Top Ten Scams list, themed “Pay Attention to the Message,” is developed jointly by BBB, Consumer Protection BC, and BC Crime Prevention Association. In no specific order, here are the Top Ten Scams to be on the lookout for in 2012.

1. Brand Spoofing

Brand spoofing (aka phishing) is a general term for e-mail, text messages and websites fabricated and sent by criminals and designed to look like they come from well-known and trusted businesses, financial institutions and government agencies in an attempt to collect personal, financial and sensitive information. If the recipient follows the link provided and connects with the fraudulent website, any information entered into the data fields (account #, PIN, contact information, social insurance number etc.) could be recorded, collected and used for fraudulent purposes. Additionally, some variants of phishing scams make use of Trojan horses to infect recipient computers with malware.

QUICK TIP: If you receive these messages just delete them and do not click on any links, and hang up on callers you aren’t familiar with. Never give credit information online or over the phone unless you are sure of the identity of the caller. If you are a victim of ID theft, call your financial institutions to have them cancel your cards and re-issue new ones. Contact your local police and Canada’s main credit reporting agencies: TransUnion Canada at tuc.ca (1-800-663-9980) and Equifax Canada at equifax.ca (1-800-465-7166).


2. Advance Fee Loans

Consumers have reported losing substantial sums of money responding to advertisements that “guarantee” loans to people, often online. Consumers complete credit applications and are told the loan (from $5,000 to $100,000) has been approved and the promised funds will be received once a fee is paid. After payment, the loan is never received as promised.

QUICK TIP: It is illegal for a company to charge a fee in advance to obtain a loan, even if that fee is disguised as the first or last month’s payment. Watch for claims of “guaranteed” loans even if you have bad credit, no credit, or a bankruptcy, and demands that you wire or send money before you can have a loan offer confirmed in writing. Report any suspected fraudulent schemes to your local police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) at 1 (888) 495-8501 or antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca

3. Gold Buying Schemes

When the BBB was created in 1912, the average price of gold was $18.93 per ounce (and it had been so for about 100 years before). In 2011, the price of gold soared, rapidly fluctuating and averaging over $1735 per ounce. Similar to gold rushes of the past, a strained economy and high demand for gold resulted in many consumers selling, trading and receiving unfair returns when cashing in their gold and jewellery.

QUICK TIP: Before cashing in on the gold rush it is important to do your research. When choosing an appraiser, find someone locally whom you know and trust. Know that the true price of gold may not be what you will be paid for every ounce of gold you own. Get multiple appraisals and compare prices before selling. Be sure that jewellery of differing karats is weighed and priced separately. Have jewels such as diamonds priced separately from the gold they are contained in.

4. Financial Elder Abuse

Financial elder abuse occurs when seniors’ pocketbooks are exploited by scammers who take advantage of a person’s vulnerabilities associated with age - like hearing loss, loneliness, physical limitations and impaired mental capacity. Common financial elder abuse frauds include tricking seniors into giving out private banking information; encouraging unnecessary home repair work, telemarketing and mail fraud; and swindles by family or friends that result in seniors giving up money, property, personal information and decision making capacity.

QUICK TIP: Most elder abuse happens to a senior by someone they know, such as a family member, friend or caregiver. Many victims do not even realize they have been taken advantage of. Signs a senior is being financially abused include: missing belongings, unusual activity in bank accounts, suspicious stories, sudden changes in Power of Attorney or Wills, bounced cheques and numerous unpaid bills. Report all incidents of financial elder abuse to your local police.

5. Power Saving Claims

The switch to Smart Meters in B.C. fostered a rise in false claims and deceptive ads by some scammers selling energy conservation devices. Consumers reported purchasing a number of power saving devices they claim did not work and that did not meet electrical safety standards.

QUICK TIP: BBB was created 100 years ago to put a stop to unethical, deceptive claims and advertising. The BBB Ad Review program seeks to help consumers and businesses identify untrue, deceptive, fraudulent and insincere statements. Protect yourself from deceptive advertising by doing your research before making a purchase. Always check out a company’s BBB Business Review (bbb.org) first and report deceptive advertising and business claims to your local BBB. If it sounds too good to be true, remember that it probably is.

6. Door-to-Door Sales

Each year a variety of unscrupulous door-to-door salespeople use high pressure sales tactics to frighten people into purchasing expensive, substandard - often unneeded products and services. Be wary of overly aggressive sales people selling everything from alarm systems to vacuums and air purifiers, as well as roofing, paving, window washing, painting, plumbing, heating, repair and landscaping services.

QUICK TIP: Don’t give in to high pressure sales tactics. If you feel threatened by an aggressive salesperson, ask them to leave your property. If they refuse, call the police. Before making any purchase, take the time to do your due diligence, getting the name and location of the company and ensuring all details and verbal promises are included in a contract. Door-to-door contracts are regulated by Consumer Protection BC. Complaints or questions? 1 (888) 564-9963 or www.consumerprotectionbc.ca

7. Virus Fixing Scheme

In the case of the alleged caller from Microsoft, he/she claim to be phoning about a serious problem with the person’s computer. The caller warns that if the problem is not solved, the computer will become unusable. In order to “fix” it, the computer owner is directed to a website and told to download a program, plus pay a fee for a subscription to this preventative service. The catch: there was never anything wrong with the computer, the caller is not working for Microsoft, and the owner has downloaded to their computer damaging malware and spyware.

QUICK TIP: Treat all unsolicited phone calls with skepticism. Check with the organization directly that the caller is claiming to be from, using the contact numbers found on their website. Do not provide any personal information to avoid identity theft. Never provide credit or debit card information for payment. Report any fraudulent activity to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1 (888) 495-8501 or www.antifraudcentre.ca.

8. Fraudulent Locksmiths

Consumers reported “local locksmiths” advertising online using a local telephone number and local address, but when contacted, consumers are connected to a call centre in another city and there is no locksmith at the address listed in your area. Consumers who have hired these companies allege that they have been overcharged for products and services, received bad advice or poor workmanship, or have had difficulty contacting the business to correct problems.

QUICK TIP: Don’t just pick the first “local” company you find online. Confirm the company address and ask for the legal name of the business. When the locksmith arrives, ask for identification, a business card and their license. In BC, locksmiths are licensed through the Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General. Also make sure that they are insured, so you know costs will be covered should any damage be done to your personal property. Expect a legitimate locksmith to ask you for identification to confirm your identity as the homeowner. Check out their BBB Business Review (bbb.org).

9. Penny Auctions

Online ads, often designed to look like news reports, are cropping up on popular websites claiming that you can get great deals on iPads and other electronics with online penny auctions. Most commonly with a penny auction, users must set up an account and purchase bids with a credit or debit card; each individual bid may cost less than a dollar and are often sold in bundles of 100 or more. Every item has a countdown clock and as people bid, the cost of the item goes up incrementally and more time is added to the clock. Even if you don’t win the item, you still have to pay for the bids you placed which can add up over time.

QUICK TIP: Before providing any personal information or signing up for any “free” trial with a penny auction, read all of the fine print carefully on the website. Pay close attention to details on signup and annual fees, minimum bidding requirements, maximum prize amounts and how to get a refund. Know what you’re buying. Before bidding on an item, research how much it costs elsewhere and keep track of how much you’re spending on bids overall to see if you really are getting a good deal. Keep a close eye on your credit card for unexpected charges.

10. Anti-Social Network

Social networks like Facebook and Twitter are becoming more and more popular. Users are often subject to targeted advertising and direct messages, and scams of all colours use social networks to operate. Fraudulent work-at-home job offers are sent through Twitter “tweets” and Facebook messages, deceptive “free” trials are advertised, and “clickjacking” on Facebook convinces users to unknowingly post malicious links on their status updates.

QUICK TIP: Your computer should always have the most recent updates installed for spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a secure firewall. Use the most up-to-date versions of your web browser to offer further protection. Be wary of messages from friends and especially strangers that direct you to another website via a hyperlink. To learn more about how to protect yourself from false or misleading advertising, contact the Competition Bureau at competitionbureau.gc.ca or 1 (800) 642-3844.

Top Ten Scams images for press:

Top Ten Scams Poster .pdf

Top Ten Scams Logo .jpg

My sister, who is a senior citizen, received a call at the early part of the week asking her if she recycled and was told that this was a survey.  Today she received a call from the same person.  This time she identified the company as Breathe EZ and they asked her if she had any allergies to which she replied NO.  They offered her a prize - a food chopper or a 3-day trip.  Quite a difference in the value of the prize.  She made an appointment with them for this a.m.  I told her to cancel the appointment which she did.  At that time she was offered more prizes.  This kind of scam preys on the elderly and the lonely.  Hopefully they will be shut down.

They called my house and were very rude to my wife.they then called at 8:30 that evenning to "offer" me a job. My wife said that the secretary was very unprofessional and she didnt trust her tone. They want to interview me at 7:00 at night... Little wierd? And they also dont even know any well known landmarks onthe road that they claim their business opperates.

this company called and i said i was a cop it is true and thene they had hanged up

i am a cop thanks for the tip

Breathe E-Z Homes is not a scam, they sell one of the best vaccum and air cleaner in the market. They are one of the representive of FilterQueen in Canada. I used to work there for a month, the job is not easy but I made $ 3500.  It is pretty good for a summer job( for a month)
I agree that some of the salesman are pushy but when I used to work there, my managers always told me to not really push anyone to buy it.
The marketing system is kind of strange but thats the only choice they have,Theywant to show their products to you. and they will give you a prize for it, usually the prize is a rice cooker or garden hose. Also they have a draw for $1000 every month.
Theyare selling 100 of them every month incanada. and if you have allergy to dust or mold, it really gonna help you.