The Greater Sudbury Police Service has received complaints of door-to-door salespersons conducting business in the Greater Sudbury area.
The Police Service is encouraging residents to be aware the risks of falling to pressure tactics from door-to-door salespeople.
Occasionally, door-to-door sales persons use high pressure tactics that included:
• That they will continue to come back until you let them in;
• They insist on seeing your last utility bill;
• That you will be reported if you do not let them in;
• That your provider is going out of business and they are now taking over those contracts.
None of this is true! 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.
Residents are reminded to be vigilant with people going door-to-door offering any type of service or sales. When any salesperson attends your residence, always ask for credentials of the company and identification from the salesperson. Be mindful that some of them will look professional and are very convincing.
Unless you have called for a specific service provider, feel free to tell the individuals you are not interested in the services or products they are offering.
If there is any aggressive pressure or behaviour, you are encouraged to call police (705-675-9171 or 9-1-1 if urgent) or the CGS By-law office (3-1-1).
The requirements of door-to-door salespeople are as follows:
- Salespeople must have a photo ID license from the City to conduct door-to-door sales of a any and all products and services.
- Ask salespeople for their full company name, location and phone numbe. 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 3-1-1 and ask for the By-law Department or the Licensing Officer.
- If you are not interested in hearing a sales presentation or purchasing an item, request that the salesperson leave your property and tell them to record your address on their “do not solicit” list. If the salesperson refuses to leave your property, call the police.
Additional information can be found at the following website: www.ontario.ca/page/door-door-sales-and-home-service-contracts
