Grey County Ontario Provincial Police urge residents not to give in to high pressure sales tactics.

Door-to-door canvassers can use high pressure tactics and can be aggressive in nature. Residents may find themselves purchasing a product or signing up for a service which they don't need or want.

Some common door-to-door scams include solicitations for charitable donations, investment opportunities, or a service involving the sale or maintenance of water heaters, furnaces, or air conditioners.

On August 11, 2017, an elderly couple in the Municipality of Grey Highlands signed a contract to purchase a water softener from an unknown male who used high-pressure sales tactics. They did not need or want the water softener. The couple's daughter intervened and was able to get the contract voided.

Tips on How to Protect Yourself:

- Ask for photo identification. Get the name of the salesperson and the name of the company or charity they represent.

- Never share any personal information or copies of any bills or financial statements.

- Research before you invest. Don't sign anything - and always read the fine print.

- If a contract is signed within the home, a "cooling off" period exists. In Ontario, consumers have the right to cancel a contract for any reason within a 10 day cooling off period. There is a 20 day cooling off period for water heater contracts.

- Know your rights. The Provincial and Territorial Consumer Affairs Office, at www.consumerhandbook.ca has guidelines under their Consumer Protection Act (CPA).

- Visit the Canada Revenue Agency website under "Charities and Giving" for more information and a list of all registered charities - www.cra-arc.gc.ca.

source: media release, Grey County OPP