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(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- After receiving some complaints, the Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department is cautioning the public about purchasing water filtration systems from unscrupulous salespeople.
While Miami-Dade is noted to have one of the safest water systems in the country, some businesses are using high-pressure sales tactics to convince households to purchase expensive water filtration systems that can run into the thousands of dollars. Some of these private businesses purport to be affiliated with government agencies, but in fact, are not. They use this cover to prey on vulnerable populations, such as the elderly.
Avoid falling for common rip-offs by looking out for these red flags:
- Insistence that your water is contaminated. If you have any concerns about the quality of your water, call the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department laboratory closest to you:
If you live north of S.W. 8th Street, call 305-520-4738.
If you live south of S.W. 8th Street, call 305-275-3170.
You may also call the Environmental Protection Agency safe drinking water hotline
at 1-800-426-4791.
- Claims that water filtration products are certified or recommended by the U.S. government. The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) is the provider of certification of water treatment systems.
- Offers to conduct an in-home test of your water quality. Con artists may create a false impression that your water is bad for your family's health.
- Assertions that water filtration systems are maintenance-free. All devices require some form of maintenance, even if it's only the occasional filter cartridge replacement.
- Statements that water filters remove 100% of all contaminants found in your tap water. No water purification device can take out every contaminant known to man.
- Claims you have won a prize but must first purchase a water filter to be able to redeem the prize. If you fall for this, you end up spending much more on the filter than what the prize is worth.
If you're not sure whether the salesperson is an employee of the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department, ask to see their WASD ID badge or call the WASD Customer Service number at 305-665-7477.
If you're the victim of a water filter scheme, contact the Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department at 305-375-3677 or online at www.miamidade.gov/csd to file a complaint. You may also file complaints with the Federal Trade Commission, 1-877-382-4357, and the State Attorney General's office, 1-866-9-NO-SCAM (1-866-966-7226).
About CSD
The Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department (CSD) investigates and mediates consumer complaints, enforces the County's consumer protection laws and business regulations, and licenses certain businesses. In addition, the department's Cooperative Extension Division provides technical assistance to commercial agricultural growers, backyard gardeners, homeowners, and manages youth and family development programs. The department also educates consumers on issues that affect them and provides resources to the public to improve their quality of life.
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