According to Saugeen Shores Police, they have taken some reports in regards to door-to-door canvassers in the Port Elgin area.
They advise residents to always be cautious of unsolicited persons at your door attempting to sell a product or service or looking for charitable donations. Never let them rush or pressure you into buying a product, signing up for a service, or making a donation if you are not sure if they are credible. Don’t be afraid to shut the door and call Consumer Protection Ontario at 1-800-889-9768.
Door to Door Sales and Home Service Contracts:
If someone comes to your door asking for a donation and you are unsure if they are legitimate, do not be pressured into making a donation for some “urgent” cause.
You can search the Canadian Government’s list of charities to ensure that you’re donating to a legitimate charity. If the charity is well known, but you are unsure of the person seeking the donation, you can find the charity’s contact information in the phone book.
Remember the following tips when dealing with people at your door, over-the-phone or on line.
- If you do not want to donate any money, simply ignore the email or letter, hang up the phone, or say no to the person at your door.
- Never give out personal information such as credit card or bank account numbers over the phone unless you made the call and the phone number belongs to a trusted source.
- If you want to give money, research the charity to ensure it is legitimate.
The Canada Revenue Agency has a searchable online database of all registered charities operating in Canada. List of Charities