Fuel equipment scammers, also known as trunk slammers, are unregistered and uncertified workers who use substandard materials and practices in fuel-related work, posing serious risks to you and your family. For your safety, it's crucial to hire fuel contractors registered with the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA).
In Fraud Prevention Month, TSSA, as a member of the Competition Bureau Canada's Fraud Prevention Forum, runs a campaign to educate Ontarians about fraudulent fuels workers and how to differentiate between legitimate and illegitimate contractor. On this page, you can access relevant resources and tools that will help protect you from illegal fuels workers.
Watch Videos
Watch this short video to learn about the four "Red Flags" of fraudulent fuels workers.
To learn more, hear TSSA fuels investigator's advice on some of the most important things you need to know about fuels scammers.
Video - Who Fraudulent Fuels Workers Are
Video - Warning Signs of Possible Fraudulent Fuels Workers
Video - Recognizing Legitimate Fuels Contractors
Video - Tools to Ensure Fuels Safety at Home
Read Qualified Fuels Contractor Checklist:
This 1-minute read offers succinct tips from Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) about how to handle suspicious door-to-door salespeople selling you fuels-related appliances or services.
Explore Ontarians' Stories
Read about Ontarians' encounter with fuel scammers.
Find Legitimate Fuels Contractors:
Hire registered fuels contractors to ensure your safety. Find or verify companies with a valid TSSA Registration using our lookup tool: https://www.tssa.org/fuels-contractor
Report Fraudulent Fuels Workers:
If you come across unregistered or uncertified fuels workers, report them to TSSA by emailing: fuels_technical_services@tssa.org
Safety is a right, not a compromise. Educate yourself, explore these resources, and report any suspicious activity to help combat fuel equipment scammers for a safe Ontario today and tomorrow.
FAQs:
- How can I make sure a fuels contractor is properly registered?
Before any work begins, ask the contractor for:
- Their TSSA registration number
- Their full business name and address
- The name and certificate number of the technician who will be doing the work
A legitimate contractor will provide the above information.
Before hiring a fuels contractor, verify their TSSA registration through TSSA’s lookup tool: Authorized Heating Fuel Contractors | TSSA
- What are the risks of hiring unregistered fuels contractors?
Unregistered contractors are not legally permitted to work on fuel‑burning equipment in Ontario. They may not follow required safety codes, their work is not audited by TSSA, and they may use cheaper or unsafe materials or perform poor‑quality work. This can put homeowners at serious risk, such as gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, and fire hazards.
- What are the warning signs of an unregistered fuels contractor?
Beware of fuel contractors who:
- Are unable to provide a TSSA registration number
- Quote prices over the phone without first assessing the job on site
- Request large cash advances prior to the delivery of any equipment or materials
- Refuse to provide a full business address and telephone number where the company can be reached
- Decline to offer the names and addresses of customers they have done work for in your area
Be cautious when encountering any of these red flags.
- Why do TSSA certification and registration matter?
TSSA‑certified technicians and registered contractors are authorized to work on fuel‑burning equipment in Ontario. They are required to follow Ontario’s safety regulations and maintain their certification and registration with TSSA. Their work is subject to TSSA's safety oversight.
Hiring unregistered and unqualified fuel workers—whose work lacks TSSA's safety oversight—can expose homeowners to poor workmanship and serious safety risks, including gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, and fire hazards.
- What steps can a homeowner take before hiring a fuel contractor?
Follow the steps below before hiring a fuels contractor:
- Verify the contractor’s TSSA registration using this lookup tool: Authorized Heating Fuel Contractors | TSSA
- Request written quotes and avoid cash‑only arrangements
- Check business address and telephone number
- Ask for customer references
- What should I do if I suspect a fuels contractor or technician is working without TSSA's authorization?
If you believe a contractor or a technician is performing work without TSSA's authorization, report it to TSSA by email: fuels_technical_services@tssa.org. TSSA will review the information and follow up when it is determined that non compliances have occurred.
Providing details such as the contractor’s name, location, and type of work can help support fuel safety for Ontario.