By Tom RakocevicWe have all been annoyed by pushy door-to-door salespeople.Sometimes they ask to look at your current bills, or try to get into your home. This can be particularly challenging for the elderly, as they are often taken advantage of by aggressive salespeople.Recently, I was visited by a water heater salesperson who was outraged that I refused to let him see my water heater. It's no wonder that water heater sales rank second in complaints at the Ontario Ministry of Consumer Services.In case you were wondering, collection agencies are ranked number one.No matter how good the deal sounds or how sweet the sales pitch, it is always better to ask for a card or brochure and to do your homework on the company. If you are not comfortable with computers, ask a family member, friend or neighbour to help you search for them online.If you have signed a contract at your door, but quickly realize that you've made a mistake, don't worry, there is a way out.You may cancel any written contract within ten days of having received it, by writing a cancellation letter to the company. The letter should provide details on the product or service purchased, the date that the contract was signed, and a clear statement requesting the cancellation within the 10 day cooling off period.Always make sure to keep a copy and send your letter by e-mail or registered mail for proof. The law requires the company to return any deposit to you within 15 days.If the company refuses to provide you a refund and cancel your contract, it is time to file a complaint with the Ministry of Consumer Services and/or take the company to court.You can contact the Ministry of Consumer Services at 416-326-8800 to learn how you can file a complaint.If you have elderly parents or family, talk to them about dealing with salespeople and make sure they know their rights. Also encourage them to keep you involved.Furthermore, if you feel an individual or company has committed fraud against you, contact Toronto Police at 416-808-2222 or head to your local police division to file a report.The Ministry also provides a list of delinquent companies which you can find online at http://www.consumerbeware.mgs.gov.on.ca.The three major political parties in Ontario have responded to consumer complaints and have unanimously voted to increase the cool down period to twenty days. The details of the new legislation are still being adjusted and will hopefully take effect soon.This goes to show that when the people are united in wanting change, political parties have no choice but to work together in delivering results.Cancelling a contract: Know your rightsThe Law in Ontario currently allows you to cancel contracts within 10 days of receiving it in writing for a number of products and services. These include:ñ Purchases from door-to-door salespersonsñ Payday loansñ Newly-built condominium unitsñ Advanced payments to a gymñ Purchase of a time shareCancelling a contract due to MisrepresentationA contract can be cancelled within 1 year if a company has provided false information on themselves or their products and services, including:ñ Recommendation of unnecessary repairsñ Providing false information on their productsñ Claiming fake licenses, certification, accreditation for themselves or their products/services