Attorney General Jackley Urges Caution When Doing Business with Transient Vendors


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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, May 23, 2025

Contact: Tony Mangan, Communications Director, 605-773-6878

 

Attorney General Jackley Urges Caution

When Doing Business with Transient Vendors

 

PIERRE, S.D. – South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley urges consumers to be cautious when doing business with transient vendors.

“During the summer months, consumers may encounter someone they don’t know looking to sell a product or a service,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Residents should be cautious about high-pressure sales pitches and don’t rush into committing without first checking things out.”

The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection offers these tips when approached by a transient vendor:

  1. Ask for a price quote in advance and in writing.
  2. Request a contract or receipt at the time of sale showing the date, the merchant’s name and address and a statement informing you of your right to cancel the contract within three days. After proper cancellation, the seller has 10 days to refund your money.
  3. Compare prices, ask for quotes from local businesses.
  4. Question the contractor about a permanent address and telephone number. If the information they provide is local, do not assume they are a local business. Transient vendors often have business cards printed with local mailing services or motel addresses and telephone numbers.
  5. Ask if the contractor has worker’s compensation and general liability insurance. If vendors are not properly insured, homeowners may be liable for accidents that occur on their property.
  6. Ask for a list of local references and check them before you make a decision.
  7. Keep a copy of the final bill or contract.
  8. Make final payment only after work is completed and consumer verifies that product suppliers have been paid.
  9. Pay by check to the business, not an individual.  Avoid on-the-spot cash payments.

Consumers who think they may have been the victim of a scam, should contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 800-300-1986 or by email at consumerhelp@state.sd.us. Be prepared to give as much information as you can about the vendor, including the name of the company and salesperson, company address and telephone number and the make, model, and license number (if possible) of the vehicle the vendor was driving.

 

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