City Police City police news release…
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is continuing to receive calls from the public in relation to aggressive door to door sales persons and phone scams.
Door to Door Sales Persons
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would like to remind the public of their rights and provide knowledge so that citizens can avoid becoming victims.
Door to door sales are not against the law.  There is a presumption that allows anyone to approach your door for a lawful purpose, however no person has the right to enter your home or remain on your property without your permission. To do so may be considered a violation under the Trespass to Property Act.  You are well within your rights to refuse them entry and to tell them to leave your property immediately; failure to comply could lead to being guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of not more than $2,000.
High-pressure aggressive sales tactics should be a red flag, residents should always ask to see a business license and other identification, and remember you control who enters your home.  Don’t be pressured to take advantage of a time-sensitive offer.
Remember:
-You don’t have to share personal or financial information, it’s your choice
-Don’t let the salesperson into your home until you’re satisfied it’s safe to do so
-You don’t have to show any existing contracts or bills, it’s your choice
-Don’t sign and agree to a contract until you have read it carefully and fully understand it
-Don’t sign a contract if it fails to explain that, under Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act, you can cancel a contract within 10 days of receiving a written copy of the agreement without incurring a penalty of any kind.
Please report any unwanted or suspicious activity immediately to the police.
Canada Revenue Agency Phone Scams
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service is also receiving phone calls scams related to Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Taxpayers should be vigilant when they receive, either by telephone, mail, text message or email, a fraudulent communication that claims to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requesting personal information such as a social insurance number, credit card number, bank account number, or passport number.
These scams may insist that this personal information is needed so that the taxpayer can receive a refund or a benefit payment. Cases of fraudulent communication could also involve threatening or coercive language to scare individuals into paying fictitious debt to the CRA. Other communications urge taxpayers to visit a fake CRA website where the taxpayer is then asked to verify their identity by entering personal information. These are scams and taxpayers should never respond to these fraudulent communications or click on any of the links provided.
Remember:
-If you receive a call that says you owe funds keep in mind the CRA has a toll free number.  You can also go to their website and check under “my Account” to be sure.
-If the contact from CRA asks for your social insurance number, credit card number, bank account number or passport number these are all red flags that this is a scam. Do not provide the information.
-The CRA will not ask for any personal information by email or text message. They will not request payment by prepaid credit cards.
-The only time the CRA will send an email containing links is if you have call them and request a specific form or link.  They will forward you that information during the telephone call.
The CRA is aware of these scams and has provided information on their website on how you recognize a scam involving their agency.  Be sure to visit them at http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/ntcs/bwr-eng.html
Please be sure to share this information with any family members who may not have access to the internet.
Knowledge is the key to preventing scams.