Still getting complaints about extreme door-to-door sales tactics, police say

High pressure tactics residents should expect include:

– Claims that they work for the city or contracted by the city, and that residents are required to let them in your homes;

– That they will continue to come back until you let them in;

– They insist on seeing your last heating bill;

– That you will be reported if you do not let them in;

– That there are new building codes and the furnace has to be changed.

“None of this is true,” the release said. “You are well within your rights to refuse them entry and to tell them to leave your property immediately. If they fail to leave, they can be charged with trespassing.”

Be cautious with anyone who goes door-to-door offering any type of service or sales and claiming to represent a particular company, police advise. Ask for credentials and identification from the salesperson, but even then, be mindful that fraud artists often look professional and convincing.

“Unless you have called for a specific service provider, feel free to tell the individuals you are not interested in the services they are offering,” police said in the release. “You are also encouraged to call police when you observe suspicious activity in your neighbourhood.”

The requirements of door-to-door salespeople are as follows:

-- Salespeople have to have a photo ID licence from the city to sell anything door-to-door.

-- They must also get a police clearance to conduct business and can't knock on doors before 8 a.m. or after 9 pm.

-- Ask salespeople for their full company name, location and phone number. Ask them to leave a copy of the sales contract and any other product or warranty information for you to review carefully on your own – do not feel pressured to agree to a service or to sign any document.

-- If you find someone conducting door-to-door sales without a license, call 311 and ask for the bylaw department or the licensing officer.

-- If you're not interested, tell the salesperson to leave your property and to put your address on their “do not solicit” list. If the salesperson refuses to leave, call the police immediately.

– Anyone found guilty of conducting door-to-door sales without a license can be fined a maximum of $5,000.

– A license is not required for people going door to door asking for charitable donations.