SCAM STOPPER: Attorney General Ellison warns Minnesotans about door-to-door pest-control scams

July 3, 2025 (SAINT PAUL) — Today, Attorney General Keith Ellison issued a warning to Minnesotans about how to spot – and avoid – door-to-door pest-control scams.

The warning is part of the Attorney General’s Scam Stopper series, aiming to help protect Minnesota consumers from common scams.

“Just as predictably as the warm weather, summer also brings door-to-door scammers. Some scammers are out there trying to pressure you into buying pest-control services that they won’t actually deliver or will include hidden fees or long-term contracts you didn’t know you agreed to,” Attorney General Ellison said. “Remember: you never have to fall for high-pressure tactics, so the second a sales pitch is making you uncomfortable, trust your gut, shut it down, and ask the scammers to leave.

“And also remember: scammers are very good at what they do and they get better at doing it every single day,” added Ellison. “If a scam happens to you, don’t stay silent out of embarrassment, because that’s what they want you to do. Instead, get even by reporting them to my office. We may be able to help you or take them down, and we can surely help someone else by alerting them to the scam.”

How the Scam Works

Door-to-door pest control scammers love to catch folks off guard. They’ll show up to your door offering seemingly great service, only to fail to deliver promised services, hit you with hidden fees, or worse, lock you into long-term service contracts you never meant to agree to. Many door-to-door pest control companies regularly engage in deceptive trade practices, especially in the summer.

Here’s what you should watch for:

• High-pressure sales tactics that ask you to make an immediate decision.
• Claims that the company is offering a “special deal” to your neighborhood.
• Contracts with hidden fees, including high cancelation fees.
• Attempts to forcibly auto-renew service contracts.

How to Protect Yourself

Ask yourself, “Do I really need this service?”

• Door-to-door sales tactics take advantage of split-second decision making. If you haven’t looked for this service on your own, there’s a high chance you’re being pressured into something you don’t need.

Don’t fall for pressure tactics

• Legitimate companies that want your business allow you time to think about the offer, research your options, and shop around. It should raise red flags if you’re asked to make an immediate decision. Don’t be afraid to walk away.

Read before you sign

• Door-to-door pest control contracts often contain hidden fees, automatic renewals, and high cancelation fees. Be on the lookout for contract language that obligates you to pay for unwanted products or services that you did not discuss. Always read the fine print before agreeing to anything.

Watch for forced renewals

• Say you agreed to four sprayings from a pest control company over the course of a year. The year is up, but suddenly you see another charge to your account from the pest control company. Maybe the company even sends someone to spray without asking. Now you’re on the hook for a service you never wanted. Door-to-door pest control companies may try to lock you into multiple years of a contract without your consent. Be vigilant for these tactics, and double check that your contract is closed when you expect it to be closed. Better yet, read the fine print and don’t agree to any service that may force you into an automatic renewal.

Know your local laws

• In cities and towns across Minnesota, door-to-door salespeople must be registered locally. This is often called a “peddler registration.” Some localities even have door-to-door solicitation bans or require that salespeople leave you alone if you have a “no solicitation” sign on your door. Always check to see if the salesperson at your door is registered and allowed to do business where you live. If they are not, immediately refuse to do business and contact local authorities.

Do your homework

• If you need to hire a pest control service, make sure to research before you buy. You can check with friends and family or look for a company online to find more information. The Better Business Bureau is a great resource for learning more about companies near you. Never sign up for services from a company you know nothing about.

Know your rights

• In Minnesota, sellers have an obligation to tell you about your rights to cancel their service. They must also provide a receipt with the date of the transaction and information about the seller, and inform you of your right to cancel the service before midnight of the third business day after signing your contract. This is called a “cooling off period,” which you can read more about on the Minnesota Attorney General’s website. You can also read more about your cancelation rights on the Minnesota Office of the Revisor’s website.

When a Scam Happens to You

It is essential that Minnesotans report scams to the Attorney General’s Office or to law enforcement. Many people feel embarrassed when a scam happens to them, but the truth is that con artists and scammers are often professionals with years of experience. They are good at what they do, and they count on people feeling too embarrassed to protect others by speaking out. If a scam happens to you, the best thing to do is report it right away.

Reporting a Door-to-Door Sales Scam

If a door-to-door pest control scam happens to you, here are a few steps to take:

• Keep copies of all communications with the scammer.
• File a complaint with the Office of Attorney General Keith Ellison online. You can also contact the office on the phone at (651) 296-3353 for Twin Cities residents and (800) 657-3787 for people in Greater Minnesota.