Islanders warned to stay on guard when being asked to buy or give at the door

Police in Charlottetown are warning people about a number of complaints they've received about possible door-to-door scams in the city. 

They involve people coming to residents' doors, pretending to be from either a legitimate charity or a business selling a product.

"People that are doing it with criminality in mind are very aggressive," acting police Chief Jennifer McCarron told CBC News on Monday, saying three complaints had come in recently.

"They'll request money and they will put pressure on the person to give them the money.

"With the pressure put on them, [the victim will] get worked up and they may just give them money because of the pressure instead of taking a step back."

McCarron added: "Most legit businesses aren't collecting cash door-to-door. It would be a cheque or through money order or an e-transfer."

Across the Hillsborough Bridge, the Town of Stratford has also issued a warning, saying they too have gotten complaints.  

"In most cases these individuals are simply doing their job, but you have the right to choose how, when and if you engage with them," the town said in a post on social media. "Please keep safety top of mind in doing so."

People answering the door are being advised to take the following steps:   

• Don't let strangers you weren't expecting into your house or apartment. 
• Ask to see some photo identification. 
• If you want to give financial support, contact the organization to make sure the canvasser is a legitimate one. 
• Don't give in to pressure to make a quick decision or share any personal or financial information. 

Police also noted that residents have the right to ask someone to leave at any time, and to call for help if they won't leave.

"Tell them [you're] not interested and simply close the door," McCarron advised. "Go inside — and if [you] feel uncomfortable, call us."

Charlottetown Police Services has a non-emergency line for incidents like this, she added. It's 902-629-4064.