Breaking News
Traveling Door To Door Sales
|
into a National Tragedy "He who profits by a crime commits it." |
Return To Home Page
|
Beware of Traveling Door-to-Door Sales Crews Abolition Movement Against Human Trafficking on Mag Crews Share 
|
|
On March 26, 2009 the state of Wisconsin passed the most powerful regulatory door-to-door solicitation legislation in the country. The SB-4 legislation named after an 18 year old girl (Malinda Turvey) who was killed along with six other young kids while selling magazines door-to-door in Wisconsin on March 25, 1999, 'Malinda's Traveling Sales Crew Protection Act' will become active on April 10, 2010. April 9, 2010 Information about Wisconsin’s New Law on Traveling Sales Crews Section 103.34, Wisconsin Statutes Read PDF Document April 14, 2010 Link To Wisconsin: Traveling Sales Crew Disclosure Statement Read PDF Disclosure Statement Update: May 1, 2010 Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development: Traveling Sales Crew Documentation: http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/er/labor_standards_bureau/traveling_sales_crew.htm Chapter DWD 273 Wisconsin Administrative Code to regulate and register traveling sales crews, to register traveling sales crew workers and to enforce action: DMPG PDF: Chapter DWD 273 Chapter DWD 273 Wisconsin Administrative Code Section 103.34 Wisconsin Statutes requires the department to promulgate administrative rules: CHAPTER 103 EMPLOYMENT REGULATIONS: http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/er/labor_standards_bureau/traveling_sales_crew.htm DMPG PDF: Section 103.34 http://www.legis.state.wi.us/statutes/Stat0103.pdf Traveling Sales Crew Application For Registration Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Document Number: ERD-16789-E (erd_16789.pdf) Description: This form is used to register for a door-to-door sales license. DMPG PDF: Application For Registration: erd_16789.pdf http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/dwd/forms/erd/erd_16789_e.htm New Wisconsin Statute Protects Members Of Traveling Sales Crews |
|
NO TRESPASSING It is your right to say NO! File a Complaint |
|
Do You Have Any Info. On These Crimes?
|
|
Click Here For 2009 Breaking News Articles |
Return To Home Page
 Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana, Nebraska, Iowa Residents Beware: Traveling Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Crews April 23, 2010 Update: April 25, 2010 Traveling Sales Crews Operating in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Nebraska, Iowa. The vermin have been spotted selling books and magazines door to door in Duluth Minnesota, Whitewater and Hartland Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana, and Iowa. Be on the lookout and by all means DO NOT let a magazine salesman into your home. If a magazine salesman knocks at your door call the police immediately!!! We are receiving numerous news feeds on crimes being committed all across the country. A Colorado woman was bilked out of $1900.00 by a traveling door-to-door magazine salesman on April 14, 2010 and an Anne Arundel County woman was just raped by a door-to-door magazine salesman working for Paragon Sales a.k.a. Midwest Clearing on April 20, 2010. On April 24, 2010 in Michigan City Indiana two elderly women were robbed after allowing a door-to-door saleswoman into their homes. One elderly woman had her wallet stolen, while the other woman was missing her check book. Update: May 9, 2010 Traveling Sales Crews Operating in Illinois, Connecticut, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Virginia, Arizona, Massachusetts. On April 26, 2010 a magazine salesman working for Discover Unlimited Possibilities A.K.A.: URBAN NATION ENTERTAINMENT was arrested and charged with solicitaion violations. When the police arrested the magazine salesman they found stolen mail in his possession. On May 7, 2010 two magazine salesmen working for Urban Development Solutions were arrested for burgulary in Connecticut. On the same day a magazine salesman was arrested and charged with sexual assault of a 16 year old girl in Bantam Connecticut. On May 8, 2010 a magazine salesman was arrested and charged with raping a woman in Dekalb County, Illinois. For further information on crimes being committed in your area please review 'Breaking News' on this page. |
|
Teens, avoid these jobs in 2010 2010 Worker Rights Teens, avoid these jobs in 2010 National Consumer League 2010’s Five Worst Teen Jobs 1. Traveling Youth Sales Crews 2. Construction and Height Work 3. Outside Helper: Landscaping, Groundskeeping and Lawn Service 4. Agriculture: Harvesting Crops 5. Driver/Operator: Forklifts, Tractors, and ATV’s In 2008, approximately 2.3 million adolescents aged 15 to 17 years worked in the U.S. Unfortunately, the global recession has impacted teen hiring here in the U.S. and jobs are particularly hard to come by for teens these days. According to the New York Times in April 2010, the U.S. economy lost 8.2 million jobs in the previous two years and the teen unemployment rate had risen 26 percent, compared to 9.7 percent for the nation at large. Increasingly, teens are competing with more experienced adults for jobs. The National Consumer League (NCL) worries that the difficulty in finding jobs will lead teens to take jobs that are too dangerous for them. Jobs for teens are an important part of youth development, providing both needed income and teaching valuable work skills, but we urge teenage workers to ask an important question: Will the job I take be a safe one? The wrong choice could harm you or even kill you. Each day in America, 14 workers die. In 2008, 34 workers under 18 died in the workplace. Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to accidents both in normal life and at work. Accidents are the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 10 and 19. In fact, more youth between 10 and 19 die from injuries than die from all other causes combined. The last six months have seen a number of gruesome news stories about teen work deaths: A 14-year-old in Poquoson, Virginia who was working for a lawn care company was killed instantly when he was pulled into a wood chipper last November; A 17-year-old doughnut shop worker fell into a normally-covered cesspool and drowned in Smithtown, New York this March (authorities believe the cover got knocked off during snow plowing); and The body of 18-year-old Jennifer Hammond—last seen six years earlier selling magazines door-to-door—was discovered in Saratoga County, New York. Hammond was the apparent victim of a homicide. Could these deaths have been prevented? Two of the jobs mentioned above are on our list of “Worst Jobs for Teens” that we recommend teenagers avoid. The 14-year-old killed by the wood chipper, Frank Gornik, was too young to be legally working with potentially deadly equipment like a wood chipper. Better knowledge of the law, which requires a worker to be 18 to work with a wood chipper, may have prevented his death. Continue Reading This Story by The NCL http://nclnet.org Washington DC Read This Story |
|
(SECRETS OF LIFE ON THE ROAD) Shauna's Story I was a couple of weeks away from turning nineteen. My job was only giving me about fifteen hours a week, I was having major family problems at home, and I couldn’t find another job to save my life. So at this point, I thought my life was pretty screwed up. After weeks of constantly searching the classifieds, I saw an ad that I hadn’t seen before, “TRAVEL JOB!! TRAVEL THE COUNTRY SELLING BLACK BOOKS AND MAGAZINES IN A HIP-HOP ENVIRONMENT. HIGH COMMISSION+DAILY BONUSES+ON THE JOB TRAINING. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!!” I read it again, and my first thought was, “problem solved”. As soon as I read the number, I immediately called. The manager told me that they sell books and magazines door to door. He said it was completely safe because each female was paired with a male. He went on to explain that they stayed in “nice” hotels, and I would even be getting daily cash advances called draws. It seemed like the perfect job. He asked me if I was at least eighteen and able to travel, I told him yes, and he told me I could start as soon as tomorrow. I was so happy, you could have slapped me, and I probably would have let you get away with it!! He made a little small talk, I guess to make me feel comfortable, and told me that he and his group were touring in Connecticut, and he would send for me by greyhound bus. I was so desperate to get out of North Carolina; I didn’t even contemplate how weird it was, like there was no application or anything. I can say my family was very much against it, but all I knew was I was getting away from them, and I’ll be making money in the process. I put in a two weeks’ notice at my other job, and when that was up, I called the manager to let him know I was ready. He told me when to go to the bus station, and sure enough, he had sent my ticket. I said good-bye to my grandmother, and twenty hours later, I was getting off the bus in Hartford, CT. When the manager came to pick me up, he had on a clean pin-stripe suit, and was driving a fairly new, nice looking Cadillac. All I could think was, “oh yeah, I’m about to get paid”. I remember the drive took about fifteen or twenty minutes, and when I asked the manager why we were driving so far out, he told me that he liked to stay on the outskirts of a major city because it was cheaper. When we finally pulled up to the hotel, cheap it was. It was a raggedy, dirty-looking hotel in the middle of nowhere, and the rooms weren’t much better. As I looked around the small, dingy room with two double beds, a half a light bulb went off in my head, and in the back of my mind, I thought, “oh hell”. But since I had just walked through the door, I decided to ride it out, and see what happened. I met my two room-mates, one of which introduced herself as the “room captain”. She informed me that I was going to be sharing a bed with the other girl, something I wasn’t completely comfortable with, but she just kept assuring me that it was ok. “We’re all a big family”, she proceeded to tell me, “we eat, live, and work together, it’s kinda like camp.” It’s safe to say that I was sold on the idea. By this time, it was about 8a.m., so she told me to take a shower and get dressed because the morning meeting starts every morning at 9:30, and we had to get to work. Ok now Pause!! Mind you, I just came off of a twenty hour bus ride, with like 3or 4 layovers, almost no sleep, and I’m exhausted. Ding, ding. That should have been the second light bulb to go off, but dumb, naive me ignored all the signs. Just the joy of being away from home over-shadowed it all. Ok, now we can press play. After my shower, and change of clothes, my room captain takes me to a conference room with about 7 or 8 other people. They were all saying some sort of speech to each other. After I met my trainer a couple of minutes later, she informed me that they were practicing their “sales-talk” or the speech that they used to get the customers, whom they call “Jones’” to buy the books. The sales-talk consisted of a college canvass which has a “point program”, where they can win a thousand dollars toward college if they accumulated twenty thousand points by selling different types of books and magazines. A point system which I later found out was fake, and so was the whole story about college. My trainer told me the reason why they all used the college canvass was because that’s what the “Jones’” responded to the best. They’ll buy from a struggling college student quicker than someone just selling books as a real job. “Besides”, she told me, “everybody here is around the same age, so we look like real college kids. It makes it more believable.” The whole while, I’m not really saying too much, I was just pretty much observing. After I thought I had gotten the jist of it all, I figured, “as long as I get paid, it won’t be the first lie I ever told, and I’m sure it won’t be the last”. People always said “all salespeople lie”, and to me, these people had just confirmed that statement. “Oh well”, I thought, “at least I’m getting paid for it, so my lies will not be completely in vain”. While my trainer was talking to me, the other crew members came up and welcomed me and introduced themselves. A couple of them even gave me their sales-talk, and just as my trainer had said, they all used the college canvass. About an hour later, the manager comes in and tells us to sit down. “What’s happening TOPS?” Everyone responded by saying something like “cash” or “sales”. ( I soon learned that TOPS, which stood for Team of Professional Salespeople, was our crew name, and “what’s happening TOPS” was how we were to greet each other every time we saw or came across one another, no matter what we were doing, and we had to respond by saying something “positive” or conducive to getting sales). He introduced me, and welcomed me to “Chapel Sales: TOPS Organization” (Chapel Sales changed their name to Millennium Sales a year later). He proceeded to motivate us, or what they called “pump” on things such as “just stay positive”, “selling is the art of persuasion”, “if you keep your quota on your mind, your most dominate thought will manifest itself”. He kept telling us how he bought twenty-two acres of land from just knocking on doors. He called himself the “master salesperson”, and now I know why. The first couple of weeks were ok. Every day we had our “motivational meetings”, all loaded up into a big fifteen passenger van, and knocked in different neighborhoods for about ten or twelve hours. We usually worked the “hood” because that’s where the car-handler (person driving the van) considered “cash territory”. Even though we were allowed to accept checks in the company’s name, cash is how we survived. Every night when we got back to the hotel to check in our money, our manager usually gave us between five and seven dollars (twenty on Saturday nights because we didn’t work on Sunday’s), just enough to get something to eat, use some of the money to pay the rent at the hotel, and the rest, he would put in his pocket. The checks would get mailed back to the main office in New Jersey with all the sale reports. People have asked me how I know so much about the “technical” part of the magazine business. That’s because about my first year I had proved myself trustworthy enough to become my manager’s “right-hand man”. He broke the cardinal rule: to keep the agents in their place, but them on a strict need to know diet. Managers are not supposed to discuss things like how they get paid, the extreme mark-ups of the books (usually 150%-300%), things they write off as tax deductions, or even the portion the company owner gets paid. I liked being the right- hand man. Anybody that knew me at that time could tell you that I got away with a lot. Every night we had curfew at midnight, which we rarely obeyed. Drinking was only allowed on Saturday nights, and we weren’t supposed to have drugs. The rules made it feel like summer camp for real, but we partied like rock stars anyway. A whole group of 18 and 19 year olds, and every night we drank more alcohol, and smoked more weed than the wildest college kids. It was the way we relaxed after some of the days we went through. We were out there rain, sleet, or snow all day, just like little soldiers. From the scorching summer days in Alabama, to the near freezing temperatures of New York winters. We had only one mission: bring back the money…and that we did. And for all that we went through, dealing with car handlers screaming at us when we didn’t have many sales, to refusing to take us to eat if we didn’t have any sales. To people slamming doors in our faces all day. We felt like we deserved to escape for a little while. And since we weren’t allowed to have our own vehicles on the road, we were stuck at the hotel. So every night after work, we would walk to the nearest store, find the closest dope man, and escape for a couple hours. Our manager used to catch us all of the time, and yes, he used to pour out the drinks and throw out the weed he found, but the next night, it was on again. It finally got to the point where he didn’t even come by our rooms at certain hours because he knew what we were doing. But later he told me that he often looked the other way a lot because we were bringing in the money, and we didn’t cause any problems. But it wasn’t just our manager. As long as we brought in the money, the other managers went by the same code. When our business dropped, they tightened up the reigns, our business picked back up, the managers loosened up. Our law of supply and demand. We supplied the money, making sure we paid the rent, and kept money in our manager’s pocket….we demanded to be left alone while we did our own thing after work. So how did we afford to survive and do all this with just five dollars a night? Being the right-hand man had its perks, but it also had its price. After my first couple of days in the business, I soon realized that it’s damn near impossible to survive on the road from just selling books. So we relied on a second source of income, one of the biggest sins of the magazine business: taking donations. The books were so expensive; sometimes people couldn’t afford to buy them. But we were so charming; sometimes people just gave us 5 or 10 dollars to put in our pockets. Sometimes people already knew what magazine crews were really about, so they threw us a 20 and advised us to get the hell out. The managers grew furious if they heard that any of us were taking donations. Even though we never heard any of the managers say it out loud, we all came to the conclusion that the reason why it was such a big deal was because they weren’t getting any part of that. Donations were 100% commission for us, and the managers couldn’t stand it. When my manager saw that I was good with people, and he could trust me with one of his vans, he would send me on hiring sprees two or three days a week…with no pay. I didn’t get paid for going out, or for the people that I hired…and some of those people ended up making him a lot of money. He told me that I had to pay my dues in the business to be successful, (it was times like this, that the “master salesperson in him came out). He definitely sold me on that idea!!! Those days that I couldn’t knock, those donations that I had saved up from the days before literally saved me from going hungry many days, and I like to eat!! But I’m getting ahead of myself; let me tell you how I became this so-called “right-hand man”. I went through a lot of stuff that the average person wouldn’t dare put up with. I can’t even count the number of times the car handler left me stranded. When they said, “don’t be late for pick-up”, that’s what they meant. They always gave us a certain time to be back on our corner, and sometimes we would be late because we wanted to bring something back to the car handler, so we wouldn’t have to hear their screams and name-calling. But that last pick-up was critical. It was a sin to come back with nothing, and a sin to be late. But sometimes we had to choose, and most times we went for the money…but that came with a price. If we were late, the car handler would drive through your area one time, and keep it moving, taking everybody else back to the hotel. I don’t even want to think about the number of times I knocked on a stranger’s door at 11 and 12 o’clock at night crying, not knowing what to do. But I can honestly say that GOD was with me, because they always brought me back, but each one advised me to go back home. But this didn’t happen to just me, I’ve seen it happen to plenty of people. Sometimes the car handler would be mad at that particular person, and leave them on purpose. How am I so sure about that? Because most times I was the one my manager sent back out to get the person they had left, after letting them sit out there for a couple of extra hours. Ok, so we got being stranded, let’s move on. The constant police problems were an issue. For me, it was a minor setback when trying to knock on doors in certain types of neighborhoods…especially at night!! But for some of us, it was a major issue. Sometimes the police used to pull over the whole van. Looking back on it, those times were kind of funny. We would be riding down the street, and all of a sudden we would see an officer ride up on us real close…running our plates of course. Everybody starts looking over their shoulder real slow, praying that he doesn’t cut on those lights, and almost every time, that’s exactly what they did!! You can hear everybody sigh and say “damn” at the same time. Those who had weed started stuffing it in their pants, those who had warrants started praying that they didn’t run our names, and the rest of us just went on ahead and pulled out our i.d’s, same old drill. We wouldn’t have had to go through all that if the manager had actually gotten permits for us like the police kept telling him to, but once again, it all came down to money. The managers all figured out how to keep as much money in their pockets as possible, and getting individual permits for us in every city that we worked would cost way too much. So we kept taking our chances in the same neighborhoods with no permits. We kept knocking, and the police kept coming. And eventually, people started getting locked up. At one point it got so bad in Florida that I had one officer to know me by name. Every time someone called the police on me for soliciting, he for some reason would always be the one to show up. GOD BLESS HIM!!! He saved me from going to jail many a day. Unfortunately, everyone wasn’t always so lucky. There have been many days where we went to work with 15 or 16 people, and only returned with 13 or 14. We wondered why they were missing for 2 or 3 days at a time, only to find out that they had been in jail for soliciting without a permit. The manager would always refuse to pay bail, he would always “wait it out” because usually once the officers realized that the manager didn’t give a damn about the kids, they would let them go with the strong warning to go home. I learned my lesson the first couple of run-ins I had with the cops. If the police came and said stop knocking, that’s what I did. The more people kept telling our manager about the police, the more furious he became. “Excuses are like assholes, everybody’s got one. You mean to tell me you gonna let them mutha fuckas stop you from getting paid, from being successful.” He would scream that at us every time!!! But that’s how he kept us in check. He would always put us back out or someone else in the same neighborhood, and dare us to say something else about the police. We always used to wonder why we would act so crazy when we talked about the police. It got so bad with him that if he came on our street and saw us talking to the police, he would just keep riding by, and come back about half an hour later or when he thought they were gone. He would tell us, “You caused the problem by yourself, you take care of it by yourself, don’t get me involved with that shit.” It wasn’t until he later told me about his warrants and past jail experiences that I halfway understood why he did it (I’ll tell you about that later). If I happened to be put out in the same neighborhood the cops told me to stop knocking in, I would just walk to the nearest store and chill until it was time to go…mama ain't raise no fool, I ain’t going to jail for nobody!!! Ok, I survived that, now let’s move on. I guess after that you would say, “Damn, there’s more?”, when I tell you that I was dedicated, that was an understatement. This is why my manager trusted me, going through all of that, and I still stuck around… I was definitely a keeper. I really proved that when I knocked on crutches. I was a couple of months in on the job. It was getting to be winter, so we headed so sweet Miami, Florida. Our manager used to teach us to run door to door. He told us that it built momentum, and we get to more doors. I was fairly new, and had a sincere intent to do a good job, so run I did…well, more like a heavy sprint!! Anyway, long story short, I was running from door to door, and I fell down some steps in an apartment complex, busting my knee. For a whole week I complained and begged my manager to take me to the hospital, but for a week, I was ignored. It wasn’t until everybody else noticed that my knee had started to swell, and I was limping, that he finally took me. Turns out, I had torn an ACL in my right knee. I was on crutches for two weeks, and a knee brace for a month. So what did my manager do? Well, he was nice enough to give me three days off, and it was right back to work. He left me responsible for everything. Getting my own medicine, handling my doctor bill, even for getting my own food while I was stuck in bed for those three days. It was times like that, that made me thank GOD I had good friends. They picked up my medicine and made sure that my room was stocked with food. The good side is that when people saw me hurt, and still selling books, I didn’t even need a sales-talk. They respected my hustle so much, the only thing they could say was, “how much is it?” I was actually one of the top salespeople that month!!! Me and my crew were straight soldiers. We’ve been out in the field with bronchitis, laryngitis, the flu, on crutches, half dead…whatever. Our manager trained us to overcome any circumstance. Did he cross the line at times, of course, but I can say that each one of us is a stronger person because of it. His training might have been heartless, but so is life sometimes. But if you can make it on a magazine crew, you can make it damn near anywhere else. There’s not enough hours in a day, or even enough words in the English language to make people understand what we go through on these crews. My friends have been raped, robbed at gun point, I was there when my manager got so mad one night, he literally beat up one of my friends. He was already upset because we didn’t have such a good week. So when my friend had come to one of our Sunday night meetings late, and drunk, my manager went through the roof. I couldn’t do anything but sit there as my manager snatched my friend from his seat, threw him up against the wall, and started beating the hell out of him. When he saw some of the other guys starting to get up to help, he threw my friend in the back room, and locked the door. When they came out about ten minutes later, my manager’s shirt was all bloody, and my friend’s head was bust wide open. They both left that night…my manager in his Cadillac, and my friend in an ambulance. This hadn’t been my manager’s first incident like that, so he already knew to leave before the police got there. By this time, he was a pro about running from the cops. He would always stay gone for a couple of days, but by that time, we were more than capable of holding our own, so it was never a big deal. To be honest, it was kind of relaxing. When he was around, you could feel the tension, everyone was on their toes. Those days he was gone, we could all breathe a little easier…and we were still about our money. When it comes to the things me and my crew went through, the list goes on. But we still hung in there. We had gotten so close over the years; we didn’t mind being around each other all of the time. Our crew finally started to separate when some of the girls started getting pregnant, and leaving with their boyfriends. We had new people to come and go between this time, but when they saw the other agents leaving, they didn’t last too long either. The crew really fell apart when we started traveling with other crews. They had some habits that we didn’t, and operated in ways that we didn’t agree with. We often times got into arguments and fights with the other managers. After a few months with the other crew, our crew started dropping like flies. When it got down to just three of us, our manager hit hard times. He had to borrow money from the other managers to pay the rent, even going as low as to “borrow” money from me. I had saved up some money to send back home to my grandmother, but gave it to my manager with the “sincere promise” that he would return it. It’s safe to say that by the time I left, he had found a “legal” way to keep him from giving my money back, and sent me on the bus back to North Carolina with no money in my pocket. So you may ask, “Why did you stay so long?” It wasn’t because I necessarily loved the job so much. To summarize, throughout my two years, I’ve been hurt, nearly arrested, stranded, watched my friends get beat up, robbed, and mistreated. Why did I stay? Because for the first time in my life, I felt like I had a real family. I never got along with my own, and on the crew, I met people just like me. Some had nowhere to go, couldn’t find any other job. We just wanted to be accepted. My particular group were the A-Dubs. We even called each other sisters and brothers. We were kind of like a non-violent gang. We didn’t associate with the other crews when they came around. We walked differently. We had a different swagger in our step. The other crews knew when the A-Dubs were in the building, because we made ourselves known. Yes, I can say that we were cocky, but so was our manager, and he did a great job of teaching us to think that we were the best. As evil as our manager was, we stuck together, watched out for each other, confided in each other, even fought for each other. It’s crazy the things people will put up with to feel like they belong, to feel loved, and to be accepted. And when you grew up like I did, and like so many other young people on these crews: some homeless, broken homes, abusive backgrounds, it’s nice to be surrounded and accepted by people whom you have something in common with. So we learned how to deal. And I dealt with it all the way to the end. The A-Dubs went through a lot together, and amazingly enough, we still keep in touch with each other. Some have children now; some are in school and have steady jobs. But one thing that we definitely still have in common is that we’re all truly happy now. But I would not say that my experiences were completely in vain. I learned confidence, strength, but most of all, the importance of family. So I guess that saying is true, “What the devil meant for bad, GOD meant for good”. Now that I have been off the road for about a month now, it’s given me the opportunity to sit back and reflect on just how blessed I was to be involved in something so dangerous for so long, and make it out safely. Sometimes I still have nightmares of some of the things that I went through, and some of the things I witnessed. Writing this has been somewhat of a therapy for me. But I don’t just write this for me, I write this on behalf of the hundreds upon thousands of young people that are not here with us or not able to tell their stories. Some people think of magazine crews, and the first word that pops into their head is “scam”, but if you ever take the time to sit down and really talk to one of us, you’ll see that for us, the salesperson itself, it was literally survival. |
|
WARNING: SOME VERY EXPLICIT CONTENT view with discretion by Abolition Movement Against Human Trafficking on Mag Crews on Friday, August 20, 2010 at 10:16pm. Read Crew Talk Abolition Movement Against Human Trafficking on Mag Crews |
|
Mom Worried Door-To-Door Sellers Will Affect Fundraising DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company Clearinghouse: American National Inc. Website: http://www.animagazines.com Mission Statement: http://duetcustomdesigns.com/americannationalinc-site/flippingBook/mission-set.html BBB Rating: F BBB Report: American National Inc. DMPG: Note former address of American National: Same address as American Community Services: Business Contact and Profile Name: American National, Inc Address: 8557 W. US Highway 20 W(Former) Michigan City, IN 46360 File Open Date: February 2010 Type of Business: Magazines Sold Door-to-Door BBB Accreditation: This company is not a BBB Accredited business. North Carolina Secretary of State: http://www.secretary.state.nc.us/corporations/Corp.aspx?PitemId=7915328 Name Type AMERICAN NATIONAL INC. LEGAL Business Corporation Information SOSID: 0826900 Status: CURRENT-ACTIVE Effective Date: 2/8/2006 Dissolution Date: Annual Report Due Date: Citizenship: DOMESTIC State of Inc.: NC Duration: PERPETUAL Registered Agent Agent Name: COOPER, SAEED Office Address: 7800 AIRPORT CENTER DR SUITE 401 GREENSBORO NC 27409 Mailing Address: 7800 AIRPORT CENTER DR SUITE 401 GREENSBORO NC 27409 Principal Office Office Address: 7800 AIRPORT CENTER DR SUITE 401 GREENSBORO NC 27409 Mailing Address: 7800 AIRPORT CENTER DR SUITE 401 GREENSBORO NC 27409 Officers Title: PRESIDENT Name: ABDUL COOPER Business Address: 7800 AIRPORT CENTER DR SUITE 401 GREENSBORO NC 27409 Title: VICE PRESIDENT Name: SAEED COOPER Business Address: 7800 AIRPORT CENTER DR SUITE 401 GREESBORO N NC 27409 Google Search: American National Inc Google Search This Site For: American National end DMPG Info September 2, 2010 Mom Worried Door-To-Door Sellers Will Affect Fundraising DeKalb Woman Concerned People's Experiences Will Stop Spending By Katie Brace, CBS Atlanta Reporter CBS Atlanta POSTED: 9:23 pm EDT September 2, 2010 UPDATED: 8:22 am EDT September 3, 2010 In March, a young woman knocked on the door selling magazines. The woman noticed Hill's son and mentioned she was selling magazines to put herself through college. Hill said she didn't really have the money. But, she wrote a check for $39 to buy a magazine subscription for her son, who's in elementary school. Hill said, "Months later, I was like 'I never received any magazines.'" As of Sept. 2, she said she had not received any magazines. She said numerous time she called the company on the receipt, American National. Hill said, "I started calling the customer number on the receipt, but never got an answer." Fred Elsberry, president of of the Better Business Bureau of Metro Atlanta, said, "These are the times that they are mostly out there." Elsberry said phony magazine subscription companies use young men and women to get your money. Elsberry said American National has an F rating with them. Patti Hill tried to contact the North Carolina company, but never got her problem solved. She and her son are about to knock on doors for a Cub Scouts fundraiser. Hill said, "Now I am somewhat concerned people will turn us away." American Nationals' President Abdul Cooper responded to calls from CBS Atlanta. Cooper said he was not aware of Hill's case. He said he will offer her what he offers all customers who do not receive their magazine subscription: a refund and a free magazine subscription. CBS Atlanta http://www.cbsatlanta.com Atlanta, Georgia Read This Story |
|
Beware of sales scam DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Marquis Fulfillment Agency LLC aka: Coast to Coast Sales aka: Ultimate Power Sales, Inc. aka: Ultimate Empire Sales, Inc. aka: Xtreme Marketing Inc. aka: Tuscan Readers Services, Inc. aka: Platinum Sales, Inc. aka: United Family Publication aka: Heritage Marketing Magazine Sales Clearinghouse: United Family Circulation BBB Rating: F BBB Report: United Family Circulation http://edumacation.com/UnitedFamilyCirculation Google Search: United Family Circulation Google Search This Site For: United Family Circulation end DMPG Info September 1, 2010 Beware of sales scam Chesterfield Observer September 1. 2010 http://www.chesterfieldobserver.com Midlothian, Virginia Read This Story |
|
CONSUMER ALERT DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Cleaner Sales Company: Austin Diversified Products, Inc. Website: http://www.advanage.com Google Search: Austin Diversified Products end DMPG Info September 1, 2010 ATTORNEY GENERAL STEVE BULLOCK STATE OF MONTANA FOR RELEASE: September 1, 2010 CONSUMER ALERT: Office of Consumer Protection Warns of High-Pressure Door-to-Door Sales in Communities Across Montana The salespeople, representing Austin Diversified Products, Inc., are attempting to sell household cleaning products. The Harvey, IL based company has earned a C- rating from the Better Business Bureau. The Office of Consumer Protection said that Montanans should be wary of any company selling its products door-to-door, especially if the sales agents are using high-pressure or deceptive tactics. When homeowners are approached by door-to-door salespeople, they should: •Immediately ask for identification. •Find out if the company is licensed with the State of Montana. To do business in Montana, companies are required to file paperwork with the Secretary of State. •Be wary of letting salespeople into your home. •Remember that few things are ever really "free." •Read the fine print. Under Montana's Right to Cancel law, the seller must give the buyer written notice of the right to cancel any purchase from a door-to-door salesman. A consumer has up to three days after the sale or after receiving the written notice — whichever is later — to cancel any purchase that was sold by a door-to-door salesman. The buyer must notify the seller that the purchase has been cancelled and return any product that was purchased in its original condition. Consumers with complaints or questions can contact the Office of Consumer Protection at (800) 481-6896 or (406) 444-4500. http://www.doj.mt.gov STATE OF MONTANA Read This Story |
|
Agressive Magazine Salesmen Arrested For Not Having A License August 30, 2010 Agressive Magazine Salesmen Arrested For Not Having A License KEYC Television August 30, 2010 at 9:11pm http://www.keyc.com Mankato, Minnesota Read This Story |
|
A Revealing Look at Magazine Salesmen DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Dream Team Subscriptions Magazine Clearinghouse: Pacific Coast Clearing Services Website: http://www.pccsonline.com Google Search: Pacific Coast Clearing Services Clarksville Police Case #: 10-15972 and 10-16029 Contact: Detective Teresa Bryden, 931-648-0656, ext 1013. end DMPG Info August 26, 2010 A Revealing Look at Magazine Salesmen John Dunn WZTV FOX 17 News Thursday, August 26 2010, 08:05 PM CDT The suspect was selling magazines door to door. Critics of door to door magazine sales point to a long history of crimes, including rapes and murders. We spoke to the director of a Wisconsin based group who says these salesmen could put you in danger. Two women in Clarksville are still shaken by their encounter with a door to door salesman. "I trusted people and this is what I got," says one victim. 24 year old Clayton Williams Marth was selling magazines for Dream Team Subscriptions when police say he grabbed his victims’ hands and placed them on his genitals. "It's a vicious problem, and it's a national tragedy," says industry critic and advocate Phil Ellenbecker. Phil Ellenbecker has been studying traveling sales crews for the past decade. His passion is personal. His daughter Malinda was killed on the job when the van she was riding in crashed. "They operate under the covers, they are fly by night," says Ellenbecker. The sales crews travel around the country, often in a van with several people. Many fail to get a proper permit, which is also the case in Clarksville. Ellenbecker and his Dedicated Memorial Parents Group have a website documenting a long list of crimes, including murder, allegedly committed by door to door salesmen. Many of them were selling magazines just like Clayton Marth. "We've logged upwards in the vicinity of 350 high profile felony cases in the last ten years," says Ellenbecker. We contacted the local supervisor for Dream Team Subscriptions, and we asked him for his corporate office. He gave us a number that was disconnected. FOX 17 News has confirmed that Dream Team is a sales agent for Washington state based Pacific Coast Clearing Services. A manager there couldn’t speak with us until Monday. The victims in Clarksville say they’ve learned their lesson. "It was bad enough for me that I'm paranoid now. I won't trust anybody," says a victim. Phil Ellenbecker’s wants other Middle Tennesseans to beware the next time a magazine salesman knocks. "If they come to your door and you see a out of state tag on that van, you go to the phone and call police because you're in danger," says Ellenbecker. Tennessee has a terrible history of crimes being committed by magazine salesmen. In 2003 three crimes occurred. A 31 year old woman was raped in La Vergne. A six year old girl was fondled in Portland, and a grandmother in Knox County was raped and murdered. We should mention, none of those suspects worked for Dream Team Subscriptions. WZTV FOX 17 News http://www.fox17.com Nashville, Tennessee Read This Story |
|
Magazine Salesman Charged With Two Counts of Sexual Battery DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Dream Team Subscriptions Magazine Clearinghouse: Pacific Coast Clearing Services Website: http://www.pccsonline.com Google Search: Pacific Coast Clearing Services Clarksville Police Case #: 10-15972 and 10-16029 Contact: Detective Teresa Bryden, 931-648-0656, ext 1013. Washington Secretary of State: PACIFIC COAST CLEARING SERVICES, INC. UBI Number 601482676 Category REG Profit/Nonprofit Profit Active/Inactive Active State Of Incorporation WA WA Filing Date 07/30/1993 Expiration Date 07/31/2011 Inactive Date Registered Agent Information Agent Name SANDRA J ROVAI Address FIRST INTERSTATE PLZ 1201 PACIFIC AVE #2200 City TACOMA State WA ZIP 98401 Governing Persons Title Name Address President GILLESPIE , WILLIAM 785 LOS FELIZ LAS VEGAS , NV Vice President FRYK , KEN 5775 SOUNDVIEW DR #103-C GIG HARBOR , WA BBB Name: Pacific Coast Clearing Services Inc Phone: (253) 851-8414 Fax: (253) 851-8415 Address: 5775 Soundview Dr Ste 103C Gig Harbor, WA 98335-2222 Website: www.pccsonline.com Original Business Start Date: August 1993 Local Start Date: August 1996 Principal: Ms Mary Millard, Complaint Contact Customer Contact: Ms Mary Millard, Complaint Contact - (253) 851-8586 Entity: Corporation Incorporated: August 1993, WA Industry Classification: Magazines - Subscription Agents, Magazine Sales, Magazines - Dealers, Magazines Sold Door-to-Door BBB Accreditation: Pacific Coast Clearing Services Inc is not a BBB Accredited business. Business Management Additional company management personnel include: Mr Ken Fryk - COO/CFO Additional Locations and Phone Numbers Additional Addresses 5775 Soundview Dr. Suite 103C Gig Harbor, WA 98335 5775 Soundview Dr Ste 104C Gig Harbor, WA 98335-2090 Additional Phone Numbers Tel: (253) 851-8586 Pacific Coast Clearing Services Inc: A.K.A.: aka Classic Sales aka Creator Sales aka Elite Sales aka Explorer Sales Inc aka Family Reading Program aka Imperial Sales aka Infinite Enterprises Inc aka Island Sales aka Jaguar Sales aka K T S Inc aka Liberator Sales Inc aka Magazine Rewards aka North American Clearing Corporation aka North American Subscription Services aka Northwest Clearing Corporation aka NCS aka Pacific Northwest Clearing Corporation aka Pacific NW Clearing Corp aka Pacific Sales aka Platinum Sales aka Prince Sales Inc aka Road Runner Sales aka Roadrunner Sales aka Signature Sales Inc aka South Pacific Sales aka Starfleet Subscription Services Inc aka Storm Enterprises aka Success Express Sales Inc aka Superior Sales aka Super Star Sales Inc aka Superstar Sales Inc aka Superstars Sales Inc aka Tnt Sales aka Tornado Sales aka Travel USA aka Universal Sales aka Unlimited Sales aka Untouchable Sales aka tower of power edumacation.com: http://edumacation.com/PacificCoastClearingServices end DMPG Info August 26, 2010 Magazine Salesman Charged With Two Counts of Sexual Battery Clarksville Online August 26, 2010  Clayton Willams Marth He arrived at their residences and upon contact with the women, inquired about other occupants, started his sales pitch to sell magazines and then began to compliment the women’s personal appearance. As the conversation progressed, he began to make lewd, unsolicited comments to the women. Then, according to the victims, Clayton Marth without notice, grabbed their hands and placed it on his genital area. In one instance, Marth had been allowed in the residence and, in the other incident, it actually occurred in the doorway of the residence. In both cases, there were other people inside of the residence at the time of the Sexual Battery. There were two children inside of the house when the Sexual Battery occurred at the doorway and another female adult at the residence where he was allowed inside. One of the victims said that when they told Marth they did not have money to buy a magazine, he offered to pay for a subscription in exchange for a sexual favor. Clayton Willams Marth (W/M, DOB: 12/5/85, Given Address: Homeless) was charged with Two Counts of Sexual Battery. Bond: $50,000. Marth is a transient and reportedly works for Dream Team Subscriptions. Also, Marth has a history of criminal activities in other states. The lead investigator is Detective Teresa Bryden, 931-648-0656, ext 1013. http://www.clarksvilleonline.com Clarksville, Tennessee Read This Story |
|
Pregnant Woman: Salesman Made Me Touch Him DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Dream Team Subscriptions Magazine Clearinghouse: Pacific Coast Clearing Services end DMPG Info August 25, 2010 Pregnant Woman: Salesman Made Me Touch Him Homeless Door-To-Door Salesman Charged With Sexual Battery WSMV-TV updated 8/25/2010 6:16:01 PM ET The woman, who did not want to be named, said she never let the man into her Clarksville home. "I heard a knock on the door and my son ran to answer it, and (the man) started asking if I wanted to buy magazines," the woman said. "I said I wasn't interested. He said, 'Well, on a more personal level, I just want to let you know that you're pretty, and you're cute, and I was wondering if I could come in and show you a good time because you look like a freak.'" The woman said he flirted with her then took her hand and put it on his crotch. The woman said she couldn't close the door on the man, whom police identified as Clayton Williams Marth, because his foot was wedged in the door opening. She said it took her awhile to report the incident to police because she was scared, but she hopes talking about the situation will help other women come forward. "I want to hurt him. He had the guts to do this around my kids, and with me being pregnant," she said. "They told me to come and pick him out a lineup, and I saw him and wanted to rip his face off." Police said the suspect targeted at least two women, both in their mid- to late 20s at apartment complexes on Jack Miller and Wallace boulevards. They think he may have put thought into who he was targeting and said he approached both women in a similar manner: first starting his magazine sale pitch, complimenting the women's appearances and then taking their hands and putting them on his crotch. In the other case, the man was allowed into the home. In both cases, there were other people in the home at the time. The other victim said when she told Marth she didn't have money for a magazine subscription, he offered to take a sexual favor as payment. "The woman said, 'Look, I can't afford to buy these magazines,'" said Officer Jim Knoll of the Clarksville Police Department. "Then, this man said, 'That's OK. You perform a sexual favor, I'll pay for the magazine prescription for you.'" Marth, 24, has been charged with two counts of sexual battery. Police said he's homeless and works for Dream Team Subscriptions. He has a criminal history in other states. Reporter Forrest Sanders contributed to this story. WSMV-TV Clarksville, Tennessee Read This Story |
|
Magazine salesman cashing forged checks August 20, 2010 Magazine salesman cashing forged checks By Evrod Cassimy Posted by Shawn Maclauchlan Posted: Aug 20, 2010 6:25 AM CDT Updated: Aug 20, 2010 6:25 AM CDT WWBT NBC12 This warning is for those who live in the Harbour Point subdivision off Hull Street Road, in the Brandermill community of Chesterfield. The crook pretended to be selling magazines to raise money for a soccer tournament and several people wrote him checks. Later, when they checked their account, those checks had been cashed for sometimes more than $500. Two of the three people who purchased magazines noticed bogus checks cashed from their accounts. They were cashed in northern Virginia and Arizona. A "no solicitation" sign is placed at the entrance to the neighborhood but that didn't stop the crooks from coming in, going door to door, and taking people's money. The Brandermill Community Association sent out an email warning to residents and posted it on its website. Posted by Shawn Maclauchlan WWBT NBC12 http://www.nbc12.com Richmond, Virginia Read This Story |
|
Police arrest 8 door-to-door peddlers last week August 19, 2010 Police arrest 8 door-to-door peddlers last week BY PATRICIA ROY PROY@HOLDENLANDMARK.COM The Landmark August 19, 2010 Selling magazine subscriptions and cleaning agents, both groups neglected to register at the police station for a permit. Prompted by residents’ calls, the police picked up six peddlers on Shrewsbury Street around noon Wednesday, Aug. 11. Matthew Bradway, 18, from Worcester was the only area resident in the group. The others arrested were Jackie Oliver, 26, of Tennessee, Daniel Gibbons, 27, of California, Charles McDowell, 17, of Ohio, Henry Meyer, 20, of New York and Crystal Kelly, 19, from Missouri. The group traveled in a car registered to Serge Jean-Pierre, 15 Ranley Rd., Mattapan. “It’s not unusual to see groups like this in town,” said Holden Police Department detective Christopher Carey. “They are supposed to get a solicitor’s permit and then we run background checks.” He said other towns have had problems with violence, or breaking and entering associated with unpermitted peddlers, so HPD makes contact with the sellers as soon as possible. On Saturday afternoon, police arrested Stephen Burkhead, 17, of Missouri, and Brian Stone, 29, of Florida, on Harvest Circle for peddling door-to-door. All are due in court for arraignment and trial, Carey said. Maximum penalty for door-to-door peddling is $500, or six months in the house of correction. The Landmark http://www.thelandmark.com Holden, Massachusetts Read This Story |
|
Door-to-Door Salesman Charged with Sexually Assaulting Va. Teen DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Cleaner Sales Company: Pumppers Trust-Mrs. Clean Pump-it-Off Company end DMPG Info August 18, 2010 Posted: 1:08 PM Aug 18, 2010 Door-to-Door Salesman Charged with Sexually Assaulting Va. Teen FRANCONIA, Va. (AP) Fairfax County police say they have arrested a door-to-door salesman from North Carolina after he allegedly sexually assaulted a teenage girl. Email Address: news@newsplex.com WCAV/WVAW/WAHU Fairfax County police say they have arrested a door-to-door salesman from North Carolina after he allegedly sexually assaulted a teenage girl. Police say 26-year-old Tommy Lee Harmon of Greensboro, North Carolina was selling carpet cleaning products Monday, when he knocked on the door of a home and met a 14-year-old girl, who was home alone. They say Harmon went inside and asked to use the bathroom. After he left the bathroom, officials say he sexually assaulted the girl. Police say neighbors told them about a group that had been selling items in the area. They later spotted a car matching residents' description and found Harmon, who is charged with taking indecent liberties with a minor. Police say Harmon was with Pumppers Trust-Mrs. Clean Pump-it-Off Company, based in South Carolina. http://www.newsplex.com Charlottesville, Virginia Read This Story |
|
Two magazine solicitors arrested DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Second to None, Inc. Door-to-Door Magazine Clearinghouse: Midwest Clearing Inc. end DMPG Info August 17, 2010 Two magazine solicitors arrested WLUK-TV Updated: Tuesday, 17 Aug 2010, 2:21 PM CDT Published : Tuesday, 17 Aug 2010, 2:13 PM CDT  Rashad A. Hayward (left) and Velvet A. Farmer (Photos courtesy Green Bay Police Dept.) Police say a woman was going door to door selling magazine subscriptions in the 3000 block of West Point Rd. Police questioned the woman who identified herself as Velvet Farmer. Farmer told police she works for a company called Second to None, Inc. and that she was selling subscriptions to customers who either gave her checks or cash. Farmer stated customers would receive their magazines within 90-120 days. Nearby, officers located a vehicle that was waiting for Farmer. The driver, Rashad Hayward, stated he was a field supervisor for Second to None, Inc. Officers questioned Hayward and found out his license was fake and he was wanted on a felony warrant out of Utah for sexual assault. Both Hayward and Farmer were taken into custody. Police say Farmer and Hayward did not have a permit to solicit merchandise, which is required by the city of Green Bay. Hayward was arrested on an outstanding felony warrant, obstructing an officer, and not having a solicitors permit. Farmer was arrested for not having a solicitors permit. Meanwhile, Green Bay police are continuing to investigate Second to None, Inc. and its parent company, Midwest Clearing Inc. That company has had their accreditation with the Better Business Bureau revoked due to unresolved complaints. Anyone with additional information about this case can contact the Green Bay Police Department at (920) 448-3208. http://www.fox11online.com Green Bay, Wisconsin Read This Story |
|
Door-To-Door Salesman Charged With Rape August 9, 2010 Door-To-Door Salesman Charged With Rape WSBTV.com Channel 2 Posted: 11:53 am EDT August 9, 2010 Updated: 12:56 pm EDT August 9, 2010  Georgia Corrections Department Robin Tracey Harrington Channel 2 http://www.wsbtv.com Atlanta, Georgia Read This Story |
|
New warning on door-to-door magazine sales DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Seedtime Publications Trinity Public Relations end DMPG Info August 4, 2010 New warning on door-to-door magazine sales Stella M. Chavez WalletPop Consumer Ally Aug 4th 2010 at 2:30PM Filed under: Consumer Ally The Florida attorney general shut down the company in 2005 after racking up 68 BBB complaints from 2003 to 2005. The company, owned by James and Lourdes Davis, moved its operations to Charlotte after that. The BBB says 184 complaints against Trinity were filed from 2005 through 2007. Its troubles didn't stop there. In May 2007, North Carolina's attorney general filed a judgment against Trinity Public Relations, Inc., Trinity Public Relations, LLC, James Andrew Davis and Lourdes Jimenez Davis preventing them from owning, managing, participating in or operating any business in N.C. that offers or sells magazines. Trinity also had to cancel contracts with consumers who complained to the attorney general's office and provide refunds. The BBB gives the company an F rating. After Trinity was banned from doing business in N.C., the Davis' changed their business name to Seedtime Publications, LLC and rented a mailbox in S.C., which operated as their business address. Seedtime had its share of problems too. From 2007 through 2009, consumers filed 125 complaints against Seedtime with the BBB and during the past six years, consumers from 22 states have filed 376 complaints. Most of the complaints allege misleading sales practices and non-delivery of magazines already paid for by consumers. Consumer Ally could not reach the company for comment, finding a string of disconnected phone numbers. The most recent complaint comes from Charlotte resident, Amy Clark, who told the BBB that two young sales representatives from Trinity Public Relations visited her at home on June 16. They used "high pressure sales tactics" and tried to get her to give them $700. They peppered her with personal questions and also tried to get her to invite them into her home, according to the BBB. Clark ultimately agreed to buy a magazine subscription for $50 just so they would leave. When she researched the company online, she learned about its history of complaints and legal problems. "After being barred from doing business in two state and being the focus of intense local and national publicity, I cannot believe that Trinity Public Relations is once again selling magazines in N.C. in apparent violation of a court order," BBB President Tom Bartholomy said in a statement. The BBB has forwarded Clark's complaint to the attorney general. Bartholomy said the customers as well as young sales people are being taken advantage of. The BBB offers the following advice to avoid being scammed by a door-to-door salesperson. Don't allow anyone you don't know into your home. If you feel threatened, call 911 immediately Check businesses at www.bbb.org before buying something. Ask to see a seller's "peddler's license," which is legally required to sell products in many counties. Don't be pressured to buy on the spot. The Federal Trade Commission has a three-day cooling off rule which gives you three days to cancel purchases over $25 that are made in your home or at a location that's not the seller's permanent place of business. Getting your money back can be difficult but not impossible. If you are a victim of fraudulent magazine sales or any other scam, file a complaint with the BBB at www.bbb.org or local law enforcement. Source Tags: better business bureau, door-to-door-salespeople, magazine sales, North Carolina, Seedtime Publications, Trinity Public Relations WalletPop Consumer Ally http://www.walletpop.com Read This Story |
|
Red flag raised again over door-to-door magazine sales DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Atlantic Circulation Coast to Coast Sales end DMPG Info August 3, 2010 Red flag raised again over door-to-door magazine sales Stella M. Chavez WalletPop Consumer Ally Aug 3rd 2010 at 11:00AM Filed under: Consumer Ally One of the men pulled out a $20 bill and told Lewis he could give her a $20 discount. He also told her that if he received enough points for selling subscriptions, he could earn a trip to Maui. Lewis bought a two-year subscription to Elle magazine and wrote a check for $51. But after the men left, she dialed the phone number on the receipt and discovered it wasn't valid. The next morning she asked her bank to stop payment on the check. "Whoever puts these young men or women up to this needs to stop," Lewis, who lives in Great Falls, Mont., told Consumer Ally. "I didn't question any of it, but I just knew something was going on." Lewis isn't the only one who has complained about such sales tactics. Last year, the Better Business Bureau put out a nationwide alert warning parents, youth and consumers about door-to-door sales crews hawking magazines. The BBB teamed up with law enforcement to issue the warning because of numerous police reports indicating that homeless kids and young adults were being hired and taken across the country to do these jobs. In one publicized case two years ago, a 16-year-old runaway girl in Spokane, Wash., claimed she was monitored during the day and felt unable to leave a traveling sales company. This year, several Better Business Bureaus have reported that they've continued to receive complaints from consumers about questionable sales tactics from such sales crews as well as concerns that young people are being exploited. "This industry, due to the fact that they are employing young people from out of the area, raises red flags," said Zan Deery, lead investigator for the BBB serving Eastern Washington, North Idaho and Montana. "Many consumers have reported that they don't believe the stories being pitched, that there are too many questionable pitches, and they feel badly for these kids who are doing the pitching, because they are being misused somehow." This week, Deery sent out an alert about Atlantic Circulation, Inc. deploying young adults in Montana and elsewhere. The company, which has a "C" rating, has been on the BBB's radar for a number of years. Deery's BBB office teamed up with Lutheran Community Services Northwest to alert teens about traveling job opportunities posted online. The ads, which have been posted on Craigslist and MySpace, describe the jobs as fun and offer opportunities to travel. An ad posted in June reads that a national company is looking for "skaters, BMX bikers, boarders, surfers and ALL types of OUTGOING girls and guys." Deery said the BBB traced the number in the ads to a company called Coast-to-Coast Sales, Inc. based in Atlanta. The BBB in that region has given the company an "F," the lowest rating a company can receive. Consumer Ally contacted the number listed on one of the ads and reached a man who identified himself as Brandon Mouzakis, the sales manager and owner of a company called Supreme Marketing, which sells magazine subscriptions. He said he was not connected to Coast to Coast even though the phone number is linked to a website for a company of the same name that has since been taken down. "We've got a pretty good company and we treat people pretty good," Mouzakis said. Mouzakis explained that workers are independent contractors, some of whom take the jobs in the summer. He said contractors travel all over the country and that the company pays for their hotel and meal expenses. If someone wants out, Mouzakis said he would buy the person a ticket home. He defended his industry when asked about the number of complaints filed against door-to-door sales crews. "I've had all kinds of flak and people say all kinds of things about my industry," Mouzakis said. "There's good companies and bad companies. I hope people understand that there's more than one company." When Consumer Ally looked up Mouzakis' company on the BBB's website, however, it found that the company is rated an "F". In the past 36 months, the BBB has processed 31 complaints. The company failed to respond to four complaints and two complaints were not resolved, according to the BBB's report. Fred Elsberry, president of the BBB serving metro Atlanta, Athens and northeast Georgia, told Consumer Ally that the most common complaint his office has received about such companies is from customers who say they've requested but haven't received their refunds. The other frequent complaint is that the sales crews misrepresent themselves or make up a story about why they're selling the magazines. "They train these young people selling door to door to represent themselves as local students," he said. "They're getting these kids from all over the country." Meta Marshall, the missing persons specialist for the Spokane Police Department who worked on the runaway case two years ago, said both the youth and consumers are victims. "But somebody's getting rich so I can't imagine why they would stop," she said. Margie Morgan Alexander, a Mississippi resident, said a young man who sold her two magazine subscriptions told her he was doing the job so he could study abroad in Mexico. She said she called Coast to Coast 15 times and left numerous messages. Eventually she got through to someone who told her that her magazine had been mailed to the wrong address. "I finally got one magazine but not a year's worth subscription," she said. "Already they're sending me a bill...they have terrible customer service." Kathleen Duncan said she caved in and bought three magazine subscriptions for $195 in January while staying in her Florida home. She said a young woman in her early 20s told her she was participating in a marketing class homework assignment to help her become a better speaker because she was shy. She also indicated she was trying to earn money for an overseas trip. The woman was very personable and asked Duncan about herself. "She worked it well, sucking me into a conversation," Duncan told Consumer Ally. "She said, 'Tell me about you.' Everybody likes to talk about themselves. I think that's pretty effective." Duncan hasn't received any of her magazines, but said she did hear back from Coast to Coast after numerous attempts to reach someone. An e-mail from the company explained she would receive her magazines in four to six weeks. "I have learned," Duncan said. "If I never see my magazines, I feel vindicated that at least the BBB is looking into them." Tags: Atlantic Circulation, better business bureau, Coast to Coast Sales, door-to-door sales, Inc., magazine sales WalletPop Consumer Ally http://www.walletpop.com Read This Story |
|
5 men arrested in alleged book-selling scam DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Academic Marketing Group PA. Secretary of State: Name: ACADEMIC MARKETING GROUP, LLC Limited Liability Company - Domestic - Information Entity Number: 3887132 Status: Active Entity Creation Date: 6/11/2009 State of Business.: PA Registered Office Address: 237 Beech Lane Perkside PA 18944 Bucks Mailing Address: No Address Officers Name: JEFFREY M DAWALT Title: President Address: 10513 PREZIA DRIVE AUSTIN TX 78733 BBB: Name: Academic Marketing Group LLC Phone: (215) 284-8476 Address: 237 Beech Lane, Perkasie, PA 18944 Business Category: Magazines Sold Door-to-Door BBB file opened: December 08, 2009 Primary Contact: Mr Robert Richie (Owner) Complaint Contact: Mr Robert Richie (Owner) end DMPG Info August 2, 2010 5 men arrested in alleged book-selling scam By Josh Kegley - jkegley@herald-leader.com Lexington Herald-Leader Monday, Aug. 02, 2010
Anthony T. Lackman, Jeremy L. Albertson, Tyler M. Smith, Henry S. Siegman and Justin C. Davidson are charged with theft by deception, engaging in organized crime and peddling without a permit. The men were going door to door saying they worked for a company called Academic Marketing Group, claiming to be selling $40 children's books and promising the books would be delivered later, police spokeswoman Sherelle Roberts said. They also gave customers the option of having the books delivered to children's charities. "The suspects made these sales with no intention of honoring the transaction," police said in a news release. Now police are trying to find out the scope of the scam by asking Lexington residents who think they have been defrauded by the men to call police and make a report. A resident of Glen eagles subdivision called police after becoming suspicious when two of the men were peddling books in the neighborhood Friday evening, Roberts said. Officers caught up with the men and took them to headquarters, where they admitted to the scam and gave officers the names of the other men, who were staying at a hotel near Interstate 75, Roberts said. Albertson and Smith face additional charges of unlawful transaction with a minor for allegedly buying alcohol for people younger than 21, according to court documents. Roberts said much of the money the men collected was spent at local strip clubs. Investigators think the men conducted the same scam in Somerset and possibly other states. The men are from Arizona, New Jersey or Alabama. Anyone who fell victim to the alleged scam is asked to contact the police's Major Violators Unit at (859) 258-3700 or Bluegrass Crime Stoppers at (859) 253-2020. Lexington Herald-Leader http://www.kentucky.com Lexington, Kentucky Read This Story |
Jeremy L. Albertson
Justin C. Davidson
Anthony T. Lackman
Henry S. Siegman
Tyler M. Smith
|
Door-to-door salesman arrested in Lathrop on suspicion of grand theft July 29, 2010 Door-to-door salesman arrested in Lathrop on suspicion of grand theft By Sophia Kazmi Contra Costa Times Posted: 07/29/2010 04:14:37 PM PDT Updated: 07/29/2010 04:14:37 PM PDT Contact Sophia Kazmi at 925-847-2122. Follow her at Twitter.com/sophiakazmi. Contra Costa Times http://www.mercurynews.com San Jose, California Read This Story |
|
Jeremy and Alicia Homeless Youth Labor Trafficking DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Urban Development Solution end DMPG Info July 26, 2010 Jeremy and Alicia Homeless Youth Labor Trafficking www.youtube.com July 26, 2010 Jul 26, 2010 Jeremy and Alicia I received a call today from Chris, an outreach worker at Denver's homeless youth services Urban Peak [http://www.urbanpeak.org/]. He said he had to pick up some kids left stranded by a "sales crew". I never heard of such a thing so it didn't "register" or make sense. ... When I arrived at their down...See More Friday at 3:04pm Denver, Colorado Watch YouTube Story Watch invisiblepeople.tv Story |
|
Door-to-door soap salesman stole Hampden Township woman's purse, police say DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Cleaner Sales Company: Mrs. Cleans Pump-it-off Distributor: Pumppers Trust BBB: BBB Rating: F Business Contact and Profile Name: Pumppers Trust Phone: (803) 481-3190 Fax: (803) 481-9738 Address: 2122 Cains Mill Rd Sumter, SC 29154-8947 Website: www.pumppers.com Original Business Start Date: June 1994 Principal: Mr. Thomas Marshall, Trustee Customer Contact: Mr. Thomas Marshall, Trustee Employees: 5 Type of Business: Cleaning Supplies BBB Accreditation: This company is not a BBB Accredited business. Additional DBA Names: Pumppers Inc Pump It Off Cleaner Pump-It-Off-MS Clean HAMPDEN TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT CASE #: HAM20100700856 According to police reports Tautard J. Gillepsie has an extensive criminal history. Google Search: Pumppers Trust end DMPG Info July 26, 2010 Door-to-door soap salesman stole Hampden Township woman's purse, police say Published: Monday, July 26, 2010, 12:10 PM Updated: Monday, July 26, 2010, 8:09 PM CHRIS A. COUROGEN, The Patriot-News PennLive.com http://www.pennlive.com Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Read This Story |
|
Dynasty Sales goes door-to-door in Carroll County DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Dynasty Sales Website: http://mydynastysales.com end DMPG Info July 25, 2010 Dynasty Sales goes door-to-door in Carroll County Posted: Sunday, July 25, 2010 12:00 am | Updated: 5:54 pm, Sat Jul 24, 2010. By Marc Shapiro, Times Staff Writer Carroll County Times The stories only differ slightly. A young woman told a Finksburg resident she was a drama student selling children's books to raise money for a trip to London's Globe Theatre. A young man told a different Finksburg resident he was selling magazine subscriptions that would be donated to the military, hoping to raise money so he could attend an academic seminar in Seattle. Another young man selling children's books told a Westminster couple he was raising money for a school trip to London. For the most part, the salespeople were unable to produce legitimate credentials. They even told stories residents believe were made up about being from the area and knowing people in the neighborhood. "Unless you're going to get something in hand when you turn over the money, it's probably not a wise idea to purchase things from people coming door to door with promises of future delivery," said Dave Daggett, a deputy state's attorney. "I'm not saying these people aren't legit, but for the most part, it's not really a good idea." Two of the three salespeople were identified as working for Dynasty Sales. The company's website says it has sold over 200,000 magazine subscriptions, books and DVDs going door to door in the last three years. The company claims it is giving young adults an early start on a long-term productive career, according to the website. A phone number for Dynasty Sales was not available and the company did not return an e-mail seeking comment. Jody Thomas, spokeswoman for the Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland, said there are no reported complaints against Dynasty Sales, but some could have been filed since complaints aren't reported until the bureau closes each complaint. "We get magazine complaints every summer," Thomas said. In the past 12 months, BBB has received 600 complaints nationally about door-to-door magazine salespeople. Eight of them came from Maryland, but the most recent one was from fall 2009, Thomas said. Paula Lacy, a Finksburg resident, was approached earlier this month by a young man and young woman at her home off Kays Mill Road. The woman, who was selling children's books, said she was a drama student at Temple University and her parents were making her go door to door to raise money to go to the Globe Theatre in London. She asked Lacy questions about her neighbors and whether she knew where Temple was and had heard of the Globe Theatre. "Part of the technique is to ask individual questions. Some are pertinent and some aren't, and they use that information at the next house," Lacy said. The woman said that if Lacy didn't have children, the books could be donated to Johns Hopkins University. The woman, who gave a name but did not have any identification, said she lived in the neighborhood. Lacy, suspicious of the woman's story, asked if she knew any of her neighbors. She said she knew the Smiths. "She could tell by my reaction that I didn't believe her," Lacy said. "She said, ‘I think it begins with an ‘S,' I really don't know. I've been at college and we've only lived here for a year.'" In 2008, Lacy's husband actually wrote a check to a Dynasty Sales employee for children's books, but after looking the company up online and seeing various complaints and stories similar to their own, they canceled the check. A state trooper came by after Lacy called the police, but he said he couldn't do anything unless a crime had been committed. Some towns in the county require door-to-door salespeople to get some kind of permit. Lacy also spoke with the state's attorney's office, who told her the same thing. "There's really not a whole lot that we could do because there's no real crime that's been committed at that point," Daggett said. David Cronin, who lives on Hook Road in Westminster, said he and his wife were approached by a young man from Dynasty Sales who said he was selling books to pay for a school trip to London. Paula Houck, a Finksburg resident who lives off of Kays Mills Road South, was approached by a young man who claimed he was selling magazine subscriptions for the military. The buyer would pay for the subscription, which would then be sent to a member of the military. He told her he attended the University of Maryland for aerospace engineering and was raising money to go to a seminar in Seattle. Houck said she and her family have lived there for nine years and this is the third or fourth time this has happened. "I told him straight out, ‘I've had a lot of kids coming to my house selling things for school, but I have never seen such a poor information tag on what you were buying,' " she said. "I said, ‘I don't want anything to do with this. It looks shady.'" Reach staff writer Marc Shapiro at 410-857-7890 or marc.shapiro@carrollcountytimes.com. Carroll County Times http://www.carrollcountytimes.com Westminster, Maryland Read This Story |
|
Magazine Company: Integrity Sales/Integrity Program Integrity Program Website: integritypgm.com Arizona Secretary of State Corporation/LLC Website: Az. S.O.S. Corp/LCC Arizona Secretary of State: Integrity Sales: Integrity Sales Criminal Profiles: Search For: Integrity Sales Magazine Scams: Integrity Sales Consumer Advocacy: Edumacation.com: Integrity Sales BBB Report Phoenix, Az.: unsatisfactory Rip Off Report: Integrity Sales Magazine Company/Sales Crews as of 05/13/06: Magazine Fulfillment Services - Operated by Robert Spruiell Integrity Sales, Inc. - Operated by Robert Spruiell Integrity Program, Inc.- Operated by Robert Spruiell Circulation I - Operated by Karkeen Hillery Circulation II - Operated by Karleen Hillery SERVICES UNLIMITED PLUS - Operated by Karleen Hillery Spruiell/Robert Spruiell National Community Clearing, INC - Operated by Karleen Hillery TEAM X-TREME DYNASTY SALES POWERHOUSSE SALES KAYS NATURALS - Karleen Hillery Crew Kay's Naturals website: ournaturals.com Crew Name: 029 Crew Name: 032 IP MARKETING IMPACT PUBLICATIONS Subscriptions Plus - Operated by Karleen Hillery (old mag. company name - may be in use again) Google Search: Karleen Hillery Google Search: Karleen Spruiell Google Search: Robert Spruiell Integrity Sales is a Member of National Field Selling Association: nfsa.com National Field Selling Association is a member of: Magazine Publishers of America: magazine.org RIP-OFF Report.com Integrity Sales ripoff Phoenix Arizona *Consumer Comment ..New Info Read This Rip-Off Report On Integrity Sales Lookup: Karleen Hillery on Profiler: Karleen Hillery Profile Lookup: Karleen Hillery - Janesville Wisconsin Van Crash March 25, 1999 Karleen Hillery Profile View Recent Criminal Activities of Karleen Hillery Spruiell: Karleen Hillery Spruiell (NOTE: for search on Arizona State Supreme Court Criminal Records Enter: Last Name: Spruiell, First Name: Karleen in search box. View Wisconsin DOJ Civil Lawsuit Against Karleen Hillery (case # 00-CV-0852) State of Wisconsin V. Karleen Hillery View Illinois Magazine Sales Fraud Lawsuit Against Karleen Hillery (case # 02-CH125) State of Illinois V. Karleen Hillery Note: The DMPG collects information from various sources: police reports, court documents, media articles, and secretary of state websites. The DMPG is not responsible for inaccurate data in any of the above sources of information. Various company websites change over a period of time. Information and Links also change. The DMPG cannot control this and for this reason cannot guarantee 100% accuracty of data. If you have a question or find an error on this website please contact the DMPG WebMaster: WebMaster ~or~ read the DMPG disclaimer: DMPG Disclaimer |
|
Traveling salesman admits stomping Tucson man to death July 23, 2010 Traveling salesman admits stomping Tucson man to death Arizona Daily Star Kim Smith Arizona Daily Star | Posted: Friday, July 23, 2010 11:00 am Robert J. Hines admitted he was one of two men who stomped Daniel Willis, 40, to death on Dec. 6. Defense attorney Jill Thorpe said Hines, Willis and Harold Marquart, 57, were drinking heavily when a "play fight" between Willis and Marquart turned serious. Hines joined Marquart in stomping Willis about the face and head before getting scared and fleeing, Thorpe said. When he left, Willis was still alive, she said. Willis' body was found at a home in the 2300 block of East Eastland Street, near East 22nd Street and South Tucson Boulevard. Police officials said Willis was frequently homeless and had been allowed to stay in a small shack on the property where he was found dead. Pima County Superior Court Judge Richard Fields will sentence Hines Sept. 27. Marquart was released from the Arizona State Prison five days prior to the slaying after serving 4 1/2 years on an aggravated assault charge, according to prison records. Marquart, who is scheduled to be back in court Aug. 23, has also been offered a plea agreement. Posted in Crime on Friday, July 23, 2010 11:00 am Updated: 12:57 pm. Kim Smith Arizona Daily Star http://azstarnet.com Tucson, Arizona Read This Story |
|
Three Arrested In Door-To-Door Salesmen Scuffle DMPG Info: Bend, Oregon Police Case#: 10-03-04879 end DMPG Info July 21, 2010 Three Arrested In Door-To-Door Salesmen Scuffle July 21, 2010 01:48 pm Bill Baker News and Public Affairs Director myCentralOregon.com Staff Bend Police officers responded about 9:20 am to a report of seveal people physically fighting with weapons near the Chalet Motel on south 3rd Street. As officers were responding to the area an associated vehicle was spotted by one of the responding officers going northbound on NE 3rd Street near the Burlington Northern Railroad overpass. A police officer stopped the vehicle in the Truck Toys parking lot at NE 3rd and NE Burnside, and were joined by other officers who conducted what is commonly referred to as a high risk traffic stop. The eleven subjects who were in the vehicle were detained and questioned by officers regarding their involvement in the altercation. According to police, the individuals were from a magazine sales group and a vacuum cleaner sales group who were arguing over each others sales tactics. A member of one of the groups mentioned having a gun during the argument, but no weapons were located. Only minor injuries were reported. Most of the involved individuals were not from the Bend area and were only here doing door to door sales work for their respective companies. During the investigation officers determined who the primary aggressors were from both groups, Daniel Ellis Catlin, 27, Bend; Brandon D. Stice, 28, Aztec, NM; and Eric Andrew Mann, 19, West Palm Beach, FL, were arrested and issued citations to appear in the Deschutes County Circuit Court for Disorderly Conduct II and Harassment. ## When you see news happen, call the KBNW News Tip Hotline at 541.323.NEWS or email us. News and Public Affairs Director myCentralOregon.com Staff http://www.mycentraloregon.com Central Oregon-- Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson Counties. Read This Story |
|
Magazine Sales Crew 'Buzz' Words/Slang and Other Useful Information: Mag Buzz Words |
|
Police outraged by violent home invasion robbery July 10, 2010 Police outraged by violent home invasion robbery By NADIA MOHARIB, CALGARY SUN Last Updated: July 10, 2010 4:55pm The violent home invasion began with a door knock at the couple’s tidy Applewood Dr. S.E. home Friday afternoon with two men, carrying clipboards posing as door-to-door salesman. Seconds later, they forced their way past the woman at the door, believed to be the grandchild of the couple — both 77 years of age. All three were bound by the pair, and another man who followed them inside, and threatened by the criminals who demanded to know where valuables were kept. The ordeal began about 1 p.m. and it wouldn’t end until about 90 minutes when the thieves fled. Police said they do not believe the house was targeted at random, but they also don’t know why the couple, who are not known to have any criminal involvement, were singled out and attacked, robbery Staff Sgt. Grant Miller. Detectives have not ruled out criminals hit the house armed with information leading them to believe it would be lucrative given valuables there. Miller said they are trying to figure out what motivated the cowardly criminals given, despite ransacking the home, they left with items of no substantial value. Whatever, the reasons, he said there is no justification for the violence unleashed — one which left the man so badly injured he was initially taken to hospital in life-threatening condition. “Few crimes are more cowardly than restraining, beating, and robbing senior citizens in their own home and we want the public’s help to find them,” Miller said of the three suspects still at large. “It was very traumatic .... and even in the criminal community, this won’t go over well, it’s not a crime that can be bragged about. “Unfortunately, nothing surprises me, but we’re very upset about this.” The criminals left after about 90 minutes with the daughter managing to free herself and call 911. The couple were taken to hospital, though the woman had less severe injuries than her husband. According to neighbours, he was rushed off in an ambulance — bloodied after being beaten in the head and face with a blunt object. “These (victims) suffered through a lot of physical violence and abuse,” Miller said. “For whatever reasons the bad guys came to this location. This was not a random thing but we are trying to figure out why they were targeted, why there were in there 90 minutes, what they were waiting for and what they were looking for — that’s what we need answers to.” The culprits are said to be a clean-cut Asian male, a darker-skinned man, possibly Filipino, and a black man — all aged 17 to 20. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1- 800- 222-8477. nadia.moharib@sunmedia.ca http://www.calgarysun.com Calgary, Alberta Read This Story |
|
Woman refuses rape kit, refuses to contact police July 9, 2010 Woman refuses rape kit, refuses to contact police BLOG POST BY ADAM BELZ • ABELZ@DMREG.COM • JULY 9, 2010 blogs.desmoinesregister.com “We have attempted to talk to her several times and she has not contacted us,” Sgt. Lori Lavorato said. The woman told police she was raped by a man when she was selling magazine subscriptions door-to-door. No arrests have been made, and without DNA evidence, any prosecution would be difficult. “That’s a huge piece of evidence, and without that it’s very hard to prove,” Lavorato said. The woman, who was selling magazine subscriptions door-to-door in Des Moines, was staying at the Microtel in Colfax, 25 miles east of Des Moines. She and a group of 11 others checked out of the hotel the morning after she told police she was raped. Her friend, who took her to the hospital after she spoke with police, had taken out a peddler’s license with the city clerk’s office for the “taking of orders for future delivery of couponcards/magazines.” The license was dated July 2, and showed that the group had been in Davenport, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City before coming to Des Moines. http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com Des Moines, Iowa Read This Story |
|
Magazine seller tells Des Moines police she was raped July 9, 2010 Magazine seller tells Des Moines police she was raped BY ADAM BELZ • ABELZ@DMREG.COM • JULY 9, 2010 desmoinesregister.com The woman told police she knocked on the door of 3000 N. Union St. early Wednesday afternoon and a man invited her inside, where he threatened her with a knife and raped her, a police report said. The home is owned by Raul Chavez and Maria Estrada, according to Polk County property records. Chavez and Estrada do not live in the home, Chavez said when reached late Thursday at his east Des Moines home. Chavez said a friend was staying in the home with his girlfriend. Chavez said the man, whom he did not identify, disputed the teenager's story and was looking for a lawyer. "He said the woman came in and asked for money," Chavez said. "He said he didn't have any money and she left mad and called the police. He said he didn't do anything wrong." The woman told police the man at the North Union home invited her in and offered her a soda. They sat down and started talking, she said. He told her about his family and said he was 40 years old, the woman told police. As they spoke, the man picked up a knife and was "playing" with it, the woman told police. This made her uncomfortable and she stood up to leave. She told police the man then held the knife in his left hand, pushed her down on the couch and began to rape her as she flailed and yelled at him to stop. She said he got up to get something to hold her down, and she punched him. She told police she then stood up, grabbed her belongings and ran out the door. The suspect followed her for "a few houses" and gave up, she said. She ran to a nearby home to call her friend from Florida who was traveling with her. Together, they called police a little after 2 p.m. and reported the incident. The Des Moines Register does not identify the victims of sexual assaults without their consent. Police searched the North Union home, but don't have a clear suspect, though they are interviewing some people of interest, Sgt. Lori Lavorato said. The woman who said she was raped was staying at the Microtel Inn & Suites just off Interstate Highway 80 north of Colfax, police said. Valerie Vandervort, the hotel's manager, said a crew of 12 had been staying there about 10 days. She wouldn't give the name of the man who paid for the rooms, but said he was older than the others and paid for the rooms with cash each night. The group was quiet, and most were around 20 years old, she said. They checked out of the hotel, about 25 miles east of Des Moines, on Thursday morning. "The rooms weren't too bad, they just left half their stuff," Vandervort said. http://www.desmoinesregister.com Des Moines, Iowa Read This Story |
|
Sheriff says beware of door to door sales July 9, 2010 Sheriff says beware of door to door sales The Cedar Springs Post Newspaper Posted on 09 July 2010. Better Business Bureau (BBB) President Jim Hegarty stated, “This is an industry that has been problematic from coast to coast. In the last 12 months alone, the BBB has taken over 1,100 complaints from consumers in 46 states and the District of Columbia against more than 50 companies that are selling magazines door-to-door.” Many door-to-door magazine sales companies employ crews of high school and college-age people. These crews are sent to communities to knock on doors and sell magazines sometimes without appropriate licensing. In the sales pitch, the representative might explain they are working to help get their lives back on track, raising money for school tuition, etc. In an article released by the Council of Better Business Bureaus (CBBB) in May, 2009 regarding door-to-door magazine sales, CBBB President Steve Cox stated, “Experience tells us that customers aren’t the only victims; the young salespeople are also potentially being taken advantage of by their employers and forced to work long hours, endure substandard living conditions and have their wages withheld from them.” “Every year these magazine salespeople hit the pavement, and every year BBB receives complaints from consumers who feel they were ripped off,” said Hegarty. “Even if the seller tugs at your heart with a convincing pitch, consumers must always stop and do their research before purchasing any products or services.” BBB offers the following advice to avoid getting scammed by a door-to-door magazine sales rep: • Always research the company with your Better Business Bureau for free at bbb.org before filling out a check for a magazine subscription. • The Federal Trade Commission’s Three-Day Cooling-Off Rule gives the customer three days to cancel purchases over $25 that are made in their home or at a location that is not the seller’s permanent place of business. Along with a receipt, salespeople should also include a completed cancellation form that customers can send to the company to cancel the agreement. By law, the company must give customers a refund within 10 days of receiving the cancellation notice. • Victims of fraudulent magazine sales can file a complaint with BBB at bbb.org or 800-649-6814, local law enforcement, and state Attorney General offices. Cedar Springs, Michigan Read This Story |
|
Police investigate rape case in northeast Des Moines DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Flord Agency end DMPG Info July 8, 2010 Police investigate rape case in northeast Des Moines by Adam Belz July 8, 2010 blogs.desmoinesregister.com The woman, who is from South Carolina, knocked on the door of 3000 North Union St. early in the afternoon and a man invited her in. He offered her a soda, they sat down and started talking. He told her about his family and said he was 40 years old, she said. According to what she told police: As they spoke, he picked up a knife and was “playing” with it. This made her uncomfortable and she stood up to leave. She said the man then held the knife in his left hand, pushed her down on the couch and began to rape her as she flailed and yelled at him to stop. She said he got up to get something to hold her down and she punched him. She told police she then stood up, grabbed her stuff and ran out the front door. The suspect followed her for “a few houses” and gave up, she said. She ran to a nearby home to call her friend from Florida who was traveling with her. Together, they called police a little after 2 p.m. and reported what happened. Police are still investigating and don’t have a clear suspect, though they are interviewing some people of interest, Sgt. Lori Lavorato said. The woman said she was working for the Flord Agency, a company with a mailing address in Delray Beach, Fla. The Better Business Bureau of Southeast Florida and the Caribbean gives the business a grade of “F.” The Better Business Bureau warned last year that young people who work for companies like Flord are often victims. They are taken hundreds of miles from home, often across state lines. They live out of vans or hotels and sometimes don’t make much money. The National Consumers League calls traveling youth sales crews the worst job for a teenager in 2010, simply because it is too dangerous, and young people can too often be victimized. http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com Des Moines, Iowa Read This Story |
|
Pa. man arrested for Nashua robbery Suspect was selling magazines door to door DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Pacific Coast Clearing Services Magazine Clearinghouse: Pacific Coast Clearing Services http://www.pccsonline.com Google Search: Pacific Coast Clearing Services end DMPG Info July 8, 2010 Pa. man arrested for Nashua robbery Suspect was selling magazines door to door By Robert Mills, rmills@lowellsun.com The Sun lowellsun.com Updated: 07/08/2010 06:41:54 AM EDT Lowell police and Pelham police also have encountered troubles with door-to-door salesmen in the past, arrested them on felony warrants and for assaulting police officers. Almost all local towns require a permit for anyone making door to door sales. Nashua police say they arrested David Parker, 21, of Duquesne, Pa., shortly after a Nashua woman reported dealing with him in her yard and then realizing that her wallet had been taken out of her purse. Duquesne was working for Pacific Coast Clearing Services, of Washington, which Nashua police say is a company with several aliases. Nashua police warn residents that all door to door salesman need both state and local permits in New Hampshire, and that no one from Pacific Coast Clearing Services has obtained such permits. Parker is being held on a felony charge of burglary. Littleton police warned residents not to deal with such salesman last month after getting numerous reports from residents and citing two men for going door to door without permits there. "Be very nice to them, tell them no thank you and call the police department," Littleton Lt. Matthew King told residents. Pelham Police arrested an Indian man last summer after he went door to door in town and was found to be wanted on a felony warrant for assault, carjacking and drug possession. That same man, Keylon Andrews, then 23, had assaulted a pair of Lowell police officers a year earlier after they confronted him about lurking near a home on Rae Street. City police have also warned residents to call police if anyone comes to their door without a permit. The Sun lowellsun.com http://www.lowellsun.com Lowell, Massachusetts Read This Story |
|
Police Arrest Pushy Salespeople, Following Complaints DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Flord Agency end DMPG Info July 7, 2010 Police Arrest Pushy Salespeople, Following Complaints Posted: Wednesday, July 7th, 2010 at 6:23 am Author: KNIA/KRLS News-Eric Gotschall Filed under: Today’s Local News Keywords: arrest, Flord Agency, pella, Pella Police Department, sales http://www.kniakrls.com Pella Iowa Read This Story |
|
Police Warn Of Door-To-Door Salesmen Asking For Money July 7, 2010 Police Warn Of Door-To-Door Salesmen Asking For Money Posted: 5:11 pm EDT July 7, 2010 WPXI/Pittsburgh.com http://www.wpxi.com Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Read This Story |
|
Eureka vote requires door-to-door groups to register July 6, 2010 Eureka vote requires door-to-door groups to register By Arlene Franks | woodcojo@mtco.com | Posted: Tuesday, July 6, 2010 11:45 pm The Pantagraph http://www.pantagraph.com Bloomington, Illinois Read This Story |
|
The Southwestern Company – Door to Door Deception DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Sales Company: Southwestern Company Trade Group: Direct Selling Association end DMPG Info July 5, 2010 The Southwestern Company – Door to Door Deception July 5, 2010 by Dad Someday all this will be yours. http://somedayallthis.wordpress.com Blog at WordPress.com The charade that she was associated with the school district continued, even as I asked direct questions about it. She would not say “No, I am not from your school district or employed by your school district.” until I asked her directly “Were you sent by our school district and are you employed by them?” Instead she said she was interning for “them” (deliberately vague pronoun meaning her company, rather than the school system), and that she was brought in from Colorado while interns from our area of the state were sent there as part of the program. She said it was for college credits. She asked personal questions about my wife, myself, our home, our kids, and details about our kids’ education. She did all this under the (technically unstated) guise of being an official with the local school district. We’d been duped into conversational information sharing with someone misrepresenting herself. She eased into what became a more and more obvious sales pitch. She was selling reference books for families “who prioritize education”. I asked how she got our name and address and she evaded a couple of times before saying that she inquires about neighbors from other homes she visited. She gave the names of several of our neighbors, and indicated that the one next door told them we had small children and that we had a particularly strong interest in their education. The new neighbors next door do not even know our first names. They may know we have kids, because they see us walking with them, but they can’t even see our home from where they live and they certainly don’t know anything about our educational priorities. They moved in less than 6 months ago and they keep to themselves, we thought they were flipping the house (because of all the work they immediately did to it), so we didn’t greet them when they first moved in. In short – she was lying. I told her that we don’t know those neighbors. She evaded some more then said, “They know you have kids.” She then told us, “I’m going to show the books to you, then you tell me yes or no as to whether you want them or not, okay?”. She seemed to be asking us to agree ahead of time not to ask any questions about them not answered by her brief presentation. She showed us the books. They apparently have selections for all stages in primary education. The sample she showed to us was a vocabulary dictionary for children preparing for grade school. She turned to the entry “cow” as an example, while she explained that it had been developed in part by someone associated with Sesame Street programming. Turns out that she chose a bad entry to start with. The definition for “cow” was (this is from memory): a grass-eating animal that makes milk in a way we do not understand. I said, “That’s really strange wording. Milk production is well understood. That is really weird. It sounds like a deliberately unscientific way to present information to a child.” She had no answer to this, and closed the book. She seemed to know at this point that we were not going to be spending money on her products. She went through all that work to get into our home under false pretenses, then she showed us an example from her ‘educational materials’ that was the equivalent of “nobody knows where electricity comes from.” Here is the result of two minutes research online – google: how do cows make milk: http://hubpages.com/question/12747/how-do-cows-make-milk http://hubpages.com/hub/How-do-Cows-Make-Milk http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_do_cows_make_milk http://www.ask.com/q/How-do-cows-make-milk I was curious to see more, but she knew it would be a waste of time, and Mom was eager to usher her out to stop the madness and awkwardness of the whole encounter. I wish like crazy that I had gotten more of a look at these so-called reference books. Turns out that Southwestern books are widely described as a scam. Salespeople can earn tuition money by working hard, far from home, in a dishonest and deceptive manner. The company was founded selling bibles door to door using these techniques, and its founder is a Baptist minister. Some student unions have banned Southwestern due to ‘improper business actions’ and there is controversy over the terms agreed to by their work force. I care less about the students duped into pursuing a scam as their summer job, and more about the manner in which they pry private information from neighbors under false pretenses. Learn about these guys. Tell your friends about them. If one is talking to you – whatever you do, don’t let them mine you for private information about your family, or your friends and neighbors. My first impression was that I had somebody advertising a religion on my door-step (she wore a large cross on her necklace), she said otherwise and showed some papers to assure me that I was next in line on her list of families in our school district. She said she was here to help us prepare for the upcoming school year, and strongly implied that it was under an official capacity not only endorsed by, but a part of our local school district. Turns out she was selling a product, in a more insidious way than I’d yet encountered – representing that they are the standard in educational reference materials, and implying that they are endorsed by our school district. Buyer beware! Some links for more information about Southwestern: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southwestern_Company http://www.salem-news.com/articles/february232010/southwestern-company-ew.php http://southwesterncompanytruth.com/ http://www.southwesterndifference.info/southwestern_company/not-a-scam-if-you-get-what-you-ordered/ (From Southwestern’s own website –emphasizes how they rationalize what they do by saying it is their right to sell you things in a deceptive but technically legal way. The comments are worth reading, as they indicate that the salespeople are ultimately the ones being scammed) http://www.homeschoolreviews.com/forums/2/thread.aspx?id=62556 I’m including this link to be inclusive… it is a question “Are Southwestern books a scam?” on a homeschooling site. With positive answers followed by “blessings” as a departing platitude, I think it is clear that some homeschooling families are happy with them – particularly (?) religious ones. I cannot speak to the quality as well as I’d like to. The book I saw called milk a mystery beyond comprehension. If my kid’s first grade teacher called milk a mystery beyond human comprehension, I’d have to meet with that teacher and probably their supervisor. There are books in the Southwestern line which claim to explain why leaves change color – I can’t tell you what answers they give. I am only guessing when I assume they say that it is inexplicable (extrapolating from my abbreviated experience with the product line). I find this article to be of interest, too – again, from the Southwestern site: http://www.southwesterndifference.info/southwestern_company/facts-matter/#idc-container from the article: “the headline read, “Residents Warned of Book Scam”. The article was actually the school district letting the community know the person selling educational books in the area was not endorsed by the district. With the misleading headline, the article actually caused a problem for the legitimate college student running her business selling Southwestern Company books.” The next day, under pressure from Southwestern, the paper ran what amounted to a retraction, calling the sales legitimate. Do you follow what happened there? The Southwestern sales scripts push fast and hard to give the impression that the salesperson is working for the school district, without ever actually saying it. The district wanted to warn that this was going on – but that fact doesn’t technically make the book sales a scam – it makes the sales technique technically legal while relying on misconception to get the salesperson in the door. The (apparently effective) hope is that you will forgive the misunderstanding, attribute it to yourself rather than what the salesperson said (factually misleading since the salesperson certainly guides you to fill in the blanks incorrectly), and then pay 400 bucks for a dozen books that seem likely to be startlingly substandard educational materials, while pushing an agenda in keeping with the founder’s motives and the (republican) politicians the company funds. Bottom line: Milk is magic. No, wait – bottom line: A company can still be scummy if the way they mislead their customers is technically legal. Someday all this will be yours. http://somedayallthis.wordpress.com Blog at WordPress.com Read This Story |
|
Licensing law vexes downtown vendor July 1, 2010 Licensing law vexes downtown vendor Published: Thu, July 1, 2010 @ 12:07 a.m. By DAVID SKOLNICK skolnick@vindy.com vindy.com Door-to-door salespeople working in Youngstown and those setting up shop outside of buildings will need a city-issued license and ID badge as well as a background check to do business. The law, which goes into effect Sept. 13, isn’t sitting well with one outdoor vendor. Blanche Silva, who owns a portable hot-dog stand downtown on West Federal Street, near the vacant Wick Building, says she thinks the new law is “unfair.” Under the law, she is prohibited from operating a business on public sidewalks. Running the stand is “something I enjoy doing,” said Silva, who’s been downtown since April and has a mobile food license from the city’s health department. “It gives me something to do. I like to talk to people. The [city is] trying to put me out of business. I’m not going to let that happen because I’m not doing anything wrong.” The focus of the change is on those setting up shop with merchandise on vacant lots, and not Silva’s business, said Councilman John R. Swierz, who sponsored the legislation. “There might be some tweaking of the law” so Silva can stay in business, said Swierz, D-7th. City council approved the changes that require licensing and background checks because of problems with fly-by-night operations and salespeople, some who are ripping off residents, he said. “In this day and age, you don’t know who’s coming to your door,” Swierz said. “We expect this will reduce the number of people who are selling items illegally and trying to pull scams. People are going into the neighborhoods at night with no restrictions and knocking on people’s doors at all hours.” The door-to-door sales law restricts such activity to be done between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The law, largely based on the one in Akron, doesn’t apply to religious, political, youth and school organizations, Swierz said. Those wanting a license to go door-to-door and to sell outside of buildings must pay $150 per license annually or $50 a month. “The picture ID will provide comfort to residents concerned about the legitimacy of those selling in the neighborhoods,” Swierz said. The licenses along with a city-issued identification card that includes the salesperson’s picture will be available later this month at the city’s police department on North Phelps Street, said Police Chief Jimmy Hughes. Also, each person getting a license will undergo a basic background check, with convicted felons and those convicted of sex crimes, child molestation, theft and similar offenses denied approval, Hughes said. “I’m not expecting this to be a real burden for the police department,” he said of the licensing and background checks. Those found to be operating without a license or going door-to-door during prohibited times could be charged with a third-degree misdemeanor, and subsequent violations could result in first-degree misdemeanor charges. The maximum penalty for a third-degree misdemeanor conviction is 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. The maximum for first- degree is six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. skolnick@vindy.com vindy.combr> http://www.vindy.com Youngstown, Ohio Read This Story |
|
Setting off legal fireworks can still be a crime June 29, 2010 Setting off legal fireworks can still be a crime by Joe Kernan Warwick Beacon Beacon Communications Jun 29, 2010 According to a report by Warwick Detective Jean Toussaint, Parker told police he was smoking a cigarette and accidentally lighted the device, an explanation that police are not taking seriously. But, accident or not, setting off a device that causes damage, injury or death is considered arson in Rhode Island and police caution people to consider that when they set off fireworks. “Accidental” is no excuse. Det. Capt. Sean Collins likened the case to malicious damage that can be charged even if damage was not the intention. “If you were in a parking lot and picked up a handful of pebbles and just threw then into the air and they come down on some parked cars, you can still be charged with malicious damage, even if you had no intention of doing damage,” Collins explained. Collins aid that charging someone with arson depends on what the law decides is reasonable behavior for reasonable people. A reasonable person would not throw a fistful of stones in the air in a parking lot because it is highly likely they will hit cars and cause damage. Rhode Island has decided that the burden of proof must indicate that any person who “knowingly causes, procures, aids, counsels or creates by means of fire or explosion a substantial risk of serious physical harm to any person or damage to any building.” After that, it is the degree to which the damage was intended that determines the penalty but any conviction for arson is considered a felony conviction. According to law.justia.com/rhodeisland, an Intenet reference site: “In all such cases, the justice may only impose a sentence less than the minimum if he or she finds that substantial and compelling circumstances exist, which justifies imposition of the alternative sentence. That finding may be based upon the character and background of the defendant, the cooperation of the defendant with law enforcement authorities, the nature and circumstances of the offense, and the quality of the evidence presented at trial. If a sentence which is less than imprisonment for the minimum term is imposed, the trial justice shall set forth on the record the circumstances, which he or she found as justification for imposition of the lesser sentence.” In other words, anyone who starts a fire or explosion with legal or illegally purchased fireworks is throwing his or her self on the mercy of the court. So, if you do not want to face arson charges, don’t set fireworks off indoors. “There are many, many degrees of arson that you can be charged with,” said Patrol Platoon Commander Lt. Michael Gilbert of the Warwick Police. Warwick Beacon Beacon Communications http://www.warwickonline.com Warwick, Rhode Island Read This Story |
|
Never Trust a Salesman: Surprise Police Arrest Burglary Suspect June 28, 2010 Never Trust a Salesman: Surprise Police Arrest Burglary Suspect By Laura Fishman on June 28, 2010 9:07 AM Phoenix Criminal Law News The Arizona Republic reports that three men had been going door-to-door carrying clipboards and walkie-talkies, making police believe that the men were each pretending to be salesman. Two of the men allegedly forced their way through a back door of a home near Bell Road and Cotton Lane. A homeowner was startled and called police officers to the scene. The three suspects reportedly left the scene, but Surprise police were able to find one of the suspects with the help of a police dog. Officials are still looking for the other two men, one who has been described as a male in his late teens and the other as a man in his mid twenties with short hair and an earring in the left ear. Anybody with information about the incident has been asked to call the Surprise Police Department at 623-222-4000. The burglary suspect who was arrested was identified as 31-year-old Matthew Michael Dublak. If he is charged with a theft or burglary related crime, the man will probably want a Phoenix criminal defense attorney to defend him of the criminal charges. Burglary crimes are usually felonies in the state of Arizona, so a burglary suspect can face a stiff prison sentence if he or she is convicted of the crime. More information about burglar crimes and a directory of criminal defense attorneys in the area can be found through our Related Resource pages. Phoenix Criminal Law News http://phoenixcriminallawnews.com Phoenix, Arizona Read This Story |
|
Nonprofit sales in Bluffs could be curtailed June 28, 2010 Nonprofit sales in Bluffs could be curtailed By Tim Rohwer Omaha World-Herald Published Monday June 28, 2010 Omaha World-Herald http://www.omaha.com Omaha, Nebraska Read This Story |
|
Door to door sellers may be in violation June 28, 2010 Door to door sellers may be in violation Monday, June 28, 2010 10:01 PM EDT By Diane Church Staff Writer The Bristol Press Police arrested several young adults from other states in recent months for violating the ordinance. These young people are recruited to sell magazine subscriptions with promises of large commissions. Some of them in other towns told authorities they were abandoned by their employers for failure to meet their sales quota and had no funds to get home. Police said they have an ordinance that lists rules for “peddlers and solicitors” which are defined as “any person who goes from house to house in the town selling or bartering, or carrying for sale or barter, or showing any goods, wares or merchandise, either on foot, or from any animal or vehicle.” Solicitors are peddlers or telephone salespeople who are “taking or attempting to take donations or orders for the sale of goods, wares, memberships or merchandise for future delivery.” Peddlers and solicitors are not allowed to do business before obtaining a license from the chief of police. The ordinance doesn’t apply to those selling milk, newspapers or bakery goods, but does apply to those selling magazine subscriptions. The license can include any requirements police deem appropriate and can be revoked at any time. Peddlers and solicitors must apply for the license in person at the police department and fill out an application form. Peddlers and solicitors are not allowed to do business before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m., but ice cream vendors may operate until 10 p.m. from June 1 to September 15. They must refrain from using bells, horns, or any other device to attract attention after 8 p.m. Licensed peddlers and solicitors will receive a badge with their license that they must wear on any outer garment while doing business and show on request. It bears the name of the licensee, license number and the words “Licensed Peddler, Town of Southington,” or “Licensed Solicitor, Town of Southington” and lists the license’s expiration date. Charitable, philanthropic, ecclesiastical and civic organizations are exempt from the ordinance, but those peddling or soliciting on behalf of the organization must register with the chief of police the name and address of the organization, the name and address of the persons intending to peddle or solicit and their purpose. Local residents are exempt from the ordinance. Residents are urged to call the Police Department at (860) 621-0101 if they encounter anyone coming to their residence who is not following this ordinance. They also urge residents to always use caution when opening their doors to strangers. Staff Writer The Bristol Press http://www.bristolpress.com Bristol, Connecticut Read This Story |
|
Soliciting without a permit DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Self Starter http://www.selfstartersinc.com aka: Urban Development Solutions aka: Golden Key Inc. aka: New Trinity Inc. aka: Ultimate Unity http://www.uunity.biz Magazine Sales Company Clearinghouse: MagMart http://www.magmart.biz end DMPG Info June 27, 2010 Police Report: Radnor/Tredyffrin Soliciting without a permit Main Line Media News Published: Sunday, June 27, 2010 -- Police cited Charles Oliver, 51, of Shreveport, La., for selling magazine subscriptions without a permit on East Beechtree Lane in Wayne. Police cited Roy Dan Cotton, 44, of Chicago, Ill., for selling magazine subscriptions without a permit June 19 at 1:28 p.m. on Orchard Way in St. Davids. -- Police cited Jonathan Lavoris Gilbert, 32, of Opp, Ala., for selling magazine subscriptions without a permit on St. Davids Avenue in St. Davids June 19 at 2:01 p.m. http://www.mainlinemedianews.com Ardmore, Pennsylvania Read This Story |
|
Officials warn of bogus solicitations in Greenville area DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Marquis Fulfillment Agency LLC aka: Coast to Coast Sales aka: Ultimate Power Sales, Inc. aka: Ultimate Empire Sales, Inc. aka: Xtreme Marketing Inc. aka: Tuscan Readers Services, Inc. aka: Platinum Sales, Inc. aka: United Family Publication aka: Heritage Marketing Magazine Sales Clearinghouse: United Family Circulation BBB Rating: F BBB Report: United Family Circulation http://edumacation.com/UnitedFamilyCirculation Google Search: United Family Circulation Google Search This Site For: United Family Circulation end DMPG Info June 26, 2010 Officials warn of bogus solicitations in Greenville area BY TERRI SANGINITI • THE NEWS JOURNAL • JUNE 26, 2010 But it’s all a scam, according to the state Attorney General’s consumer protection division. “Unfortunately, a scam artist can be any age and can use youth to their advantage,” said Timothy Mullaney, who heads the unit. Several of the victims have described the suspects as being teenagers or in their early 20s who use a variety of ploys. They claim to be sponsoring children at A.I. duPont Hospital for Children, or are from out-of-state but say they’ve lived in Westover Hills for several years. In some cases, they show checks allegedly written by other local residents to the Marquis Fulfillment Agency LLC -- a company known to employ young people to fraudulently peddle magazine subscriptions, officials said. In other instances, the young adult chats up the victims, saying they know their mothers. They have even asked residents if they will be home on the Fourth of July as a means of getting invited to a “neighborhood party.” Others claim they will work for the donation as a means of getting into houses, authorities said. If you believe that you or someone you know has been victimized, call police and file a complaint by calling the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at (800) 220-5424. Contact Terri Sanginiti at 324-2771 or tsanginiti@delawareonline.com http://www.delawareonline.com Wilmington, Delaware Read This Story |
|
Placer judge sentences magazine salesman who stole to save job DMPG Info: Police Report Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Pinnacle Sales Magazine Clearinghouse: World Wide Circulation Magazine Sales Clearinghouse: Case # 62-097316 end DMPG Info June 24, 2010 Placer judge sentences magazine salesman who stole to save job By Bee Staff The Sacramento Bee June 24, 2010  The salesman, Joseph Won Lee Jones (photo left), 33, stole a blank check from a 71-year-old Auburn resident on Feb. 2 after she invited him into the house and placed a magazine subscription order for $44, the release states. Jones then asked for a glass of water. When the victim left the room to get it for him, Jones went to the woman's checkbook and took a blank check, which he later used to write another magazine order for $396 in an effort to impress his bosses, the DA's office said. Prosecutor Jim Deslaurier of the Placer County District Attorney's Office said the defendant told authorities he was having trouble meeting sales numbers. "He didn't want to lose his job," Deslaurier said. When the victim received her bank statement later that month, she noticed the $396 transaction and went to the Auburn Police Department to report the incident. Jones was tracked down to San Bernardino County and was arrested on March 10, Deslaurier said. He later entered a plea of no contest to a felony charge of petty theft with a prior offense and of committing a financial crime against an elderly person, Deslaurier said. Superior Court Judge Jeff Penney sentenced Jones to prison on Wednesday and ordered him to make restitution of $396 to the victim's bank. Deslaurier said the District Attorney's Office "takes very seriously any crime in which a perpetrator enters a home, particularly when the victim is an elderly person. We have no tolerance for that." Deslaurier urged all citizens not to let strangers who are knocking on doors into their homes to conduct business. Categories: Court sentencing, Roseville/Placer County News, Thefts Posted by Bill Enfield 2:20 PM Posted by Bill Enfield The Sacramento Bee http://blogs.sacbee.com Sacramento, California Read This Story |
|
Check stealing magazine salesman gets 2 years in state prison June 24, 2010 Check stealing magazine salesman gets 2 years in state prison Posted on: Thursday, June 24, 2010 - District Attorney's Office Auburn Today Rocklin & Roseville Today The salesman, Joseph Won Lee Jones, 33, stole a blank check from a 71-year-old Auburn resident on Feb. 2 after she invited him into the house and placed a magazine subscription order for $44. Jones then asked for a glass of water. When the victim left the room to get it for him, Jones went to the woman’s checkbook and took a blank check, which he later used to write another magazine order for $396 in an effort to impress his bosses. Prosecutor Jim Deslaurier of the Placer County District Attorney’s Office said the defendant told authorities he was having trouble meeting sales numbers. “He didn’t want to lose his job,” Deslaurier said. When the victim received her bank statement later that month, she noticed the $396 transaction and went to the Auburn Police Department to report the incident. Jones was tracked down to San Bernardino County and was arrested on March 10. He later entered a plea of no contest to a felony charge of petty theft with a prior offense and of committing a financial crime against an elderly person. Superior Court Judge Jeff Penney sentenced Jones to prison on Wednesday and ordered him to make restitution of $396 to the victim’s bank. Deslaurier said the District Attorney’s Office “takes very seriously any crime in which a perpetrator enters a home, particularly when the victim is an elderly person. We have no tolerance for that.” Deslaurier urged all citizens not to let strangers who are knocking on doors into their homes to conduct business Rocklin & Roseville Today http://www.auburntoday.com Rocklin, California Read This Story |
|
Door to Door sales go wrong DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Sales Company: Kmax systems Kirby Vacuum http://www.kirby.com Trade Group: Direct Selling Association: http://www.dsa.org end DMPG Info June 23, 2010 Door to Door sales go wrong Vacuum trouble swept under the rug WFTS ABC Action News Posted: 06/24/2010 By: Jackie Callaway “This guy was there and had this card here ‘free shampoo today’ advertisement,” Houle told us. “He came in to shampoo the couch a little bit, the whole floor, the mattress in the bedroom.” Houle and his girlfriend Sylvia Bouthiette say a hard sales pitch followed. “And I said we don't really need it, you know,” Bouthiette explained. "After awhile I gave in,” Houle said. Bouthiette and Houle paid $1926 for the vacuum. Buyer’s remorse quickly set in. "I canceled. I told them no way did I want it,” according to Houle. Per the contract and state law, Houle and Bouthiette had 3 days to cancel, which they did according to a certified mail receipt. “They picked it up on the 20th of April,” Houle told us. But these customers say they never received a refund. Seniors Vs Crime Manager, Dick Fearnow in Polk County tells me this consumer's story sounds like so many other door to door complaints, but this one may be criminal. “The next thing that we will be doing is that we will be verifying that this fits the criteria for a criminal matter,” Fearnow explained. Jackie Callaway made several calls over 3 weeks to the vacuum seller Kmax systems in Kissimmee. Two of the employees she spoke with insisted they sent a refund check. Earlier this week she notified the company that she turned the case over to law enforcement. Houle and Bouthiette’s refund arrived in today's mail but not in time to restore confidence in door to door salesmen. “We will never do business like that again never,” Houle said. By: Jackie Callaway http://www.abcactionnews.com Tampa, Florida Read This Story |
|
People Selling Magazines in Lake Shastina June 23, 2010 People Selling Magazines in Lake Shastina Lake Shastina Bulliten Board Wednesday, June 23, 2010 SUMMER TIME SCAM BEWARE By Officer Rusty R. Owens Lake Shastina Police Department Chief of Police Rick Alves Posted by Bruce and Sally at 7:47 AM “I’m selling magazine subscriptions to earn a college scholarship. For each magazine I sell, the group I work for provides scholarship funds for my education, or I win a trip.” Sound familiar? Every year crews of teenagers and young adults travel to towns across the country peddling magazines, cleaning products or other items. They show up on your doorstep with stories such as how you can help them avoid inner-city troubles by buying their product. The cause sounds admirable, they appear to be hard working, so why not help out? Before making a decision, The Lake Shastina Police Department and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises you to consider the following: The National Consumers League estimates that 50,000 children nationwide are involved in traveling sales crews selling consumer items door-to-door and on city street corners. The youth groups are transported hundreds of miles from their homes, often across state lines. Unfortunately, many of these young people are victims. The League has consistently ranked traveling crews among the worst jobs available for youth and indicates that they can also constitute a dangerous environment Employing the young plays on your sympathy, it may also violate state wage and employment laws. Various news media have reported abusive treatment of young sales crews. Minors report having been sexually harassed and physically assaulted some have been left stranded with no means of transportation home. In addition, the young people are typically expected to work long hours with little rest and it is not uncommon for them to be exposed to illegal drugs or underage drinking. Parents often discover too late the perils to which their children have been exposed. Certainly, there are legitimate youth fundraisers. In addition, yes, they may come knocking. However, the next time a youth sales crew appears on your doorstep, it may be wise not to assume that it represents a local school or youth group. Ask for the name of the organization and other details. You may also want to inquire about the welfare of the young worker. Siskiyou County requires licensing for door-to-door sales, so do inquire and verify that aspect of any door-to-door sales presentation. Sunday, June 21, 2010: The Lake Shastina Police in an ongoing investigation of door-to-door salespersons complaints, charged one man for selling items without permits and obtaining money by false pretenses. He had extensive criminal backgrounds; there were also active warrants out California for him, one for $25, 000.00 and another for $10,000.00. for soliciting with no permits or business license. During the on going investigation, officers contacted several Lake Shastina and Weed residents who said that the man gave different names, and stories to why he was selling the magazines. Some included 1) Helping the military soldiers in Iraq 2) Just graduated from Mt. Shasta High School Options: If you have been contacted by one of these sales person by federal law you have 3 business days to cancel the order with the company. You can cancel your check or credit card transaction by calling your bank or credit card company. If you have any questions or concerns please call or e-mail investigating Officer Rusty Owens at the Lake Shastina Police Department, 530-938-2226, rusty@lakeshastina.com. Information contained in this bulletin has been taken from Lake Shastina Police Department, Better Business Bureau, California Attorneys Generals Office and the Federal Trade Commission websites and news articles. Posted by Bruce and Sally at 7:47 AM Labels: community notices By Officer Rusty R. Owens Lake Shastina Police Department http://lakeshastina.blogspot.com Posted by Bruce and Sally at 7:47 AM Lake Shastina, California Read This Story |
|
I-Team 10: Door-to-door magazine sales DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Direct Youth Marketing A.K.A.: Coast 2 Coast Gemini Subscriptions No Limit Sales Face to Face Technologies, Inc Performance Clearing Services, Inc Rollout Promotions, Inc Dynasty Technologies, Inc Love Technologies, Inc Magazines, Inc Fun Sales, Inc Youth Incentive Marketing, Inc Creative Marketing, Inc Prolific Marketing, LLC Gold Coast Circulation, Inc New Image Sales, Inc Rainbow Sales, Inc Southern Marketing Group, LLC Yoli and Associates, Inc Editorials International, Inc Dynasty Technologies, Inc Face Off D2D Consulting Reviste Frontline Communications Preferred Consulting Services Payne Sales Shumate Sales Magazine Clearinghouse: Great Lake Circulation, Inc. AKA: American Cash Award http://www.americancashawards.com end DMPG Info June 18, 2010 I-Team 10: Door-to-door magazine sales WHEC-TV, LLC Posted at: 06/18/2010 2:03 PM | Updated at: 06/21/2010 10:36 Am In a neighborhood in Pittsford, residents are on-guard, after several were visited by young sales people. They're going door to door selling magazine subscriptions. Earlier this month, they paid a visit to the home of Jim and Lucille Newell. "She said she was trying to earn points for a trip to Europe," said Lucille Newell. The Newells decided to help and wrote out a check for a one year magazine subscription. "She seemed very personable and pleasant. She said we could donate the magazine to a local hospital or charity, which we decided to do, " said Newell. A young woman made a similar pitch to Diana Cass of Victor last week. "she told me she was a college student and earning money for college and that if we bought magazines, she would get points toward a scholarship and trip to Europe," said Cass. While Cass did not buy any magazines, she knows of one neighbor who did and that person got a much different sales pitch. "Down somewhere else they were raising money for the troops. So we were getting different stories and it was really alarming," said Cass. So who are these salepeople working for? "She said she was with Direct Youth Marketing," said Cass. Direct Youth Marketing, and it's consulting arm known as D2D Consulting, get "F" ratings from the Better Business Bureau. Many of the complaints are from consumers who claim they never received their subscriptions. "Nationwide, most of them don't have a good reputation," said Pat Coakley, Better Business Bureau. Coakley warns consumers not to be pressured into buying until they know the reputation of the company selling. "If you're really interested in the magazines and not just the sympathy appeal of, help this kids with a scholarship, you might want to deal with the company, but you need to find out if they're reputable," said Coakley. We checked with the Town of Pittsford, and Direct Youth Marketing does not have a permit to conduct door to door sales. Feeling uneasy about their purchase, the Newells checked out the company online and immediately stopped payment on their check. Diana Cass says she has also learned from her encounter. "I have learned that I'm not going to buy anything from anyone unless I know them," said Cass. For more Rochester, N.Y. news go to our website www.whec.com. WHEC-TV, LLC http://www.whec.com Rochester, New York Read This Story |
|
Police warn residents of magazine scam DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: SYN, INC. A.K.A.: Miami Dream Team Direct Youth Marketing Coast 2 Coast Gemini Subscriptions No Limit Sales Face to Face Technologies, Inc Performance Clearing Services, Inc Rollout Promotions, Inc Dynasty Technologies, Inc Love Technologies, Inc Magazines, Inc Fun Sales, Inc Youth Incentive Marketing, Inc Creative Marketing, Inc Prolific Marketing, LLC Gold Coast Circulation, Inc New Image Sales, Inc Rainbow Sales, Inc Southern Marketing Group, LLC Yoli and Associates, Inc Editorials International, Inc Dynasty Technologies, Inc Face Off D2D Consulting Reviste Frontline Communications Preferred Consulting Services Payne Sales Shumate Sales Magazine Clearinghouse: Great Lake Circulation American Cash Awards http://www.americancashawards.com end DMPG Info June 17, 2010 Police warn residents of magazine scam pressconnects.com JUNE 17, 2010, 1:21 PM http://www.pressconnects.com Binghamton, New York Read This Story |
|
Littleton police caution residents about door-to-door magazine scam DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Urban 1, Inc. end DMPG Info June 17, 2010 Littleton police caution residents about door-to-door magazine scam By Nathan Lamb/Staff writer GateHouse News Service Wicked Local Littleton Independent Posted Jun 17, 2010 @ 11:14 AM Local officials are urging residents to use caution with door-to-door salesmen, following a rash of complaints about unauthorized magazine solicitors in the Littleton area. Littleton Police recently fined two people claiming to be magazine salesman, after it came to light they’d violated town bylaws for solicitation, confirmed police Lt. Matthew King. Door-to-door salesman are required to seek prior authorization through the Town Clerk’s office, so that authorities can screen for criminal records or past sex offenses. However, King said that didn’t happen for two solicitors claiming to represent a company known as Urban 1, Inc. “We don’t know anything about them, because they haven’t registered,” he said Kind said police fielded numerous complaints about the duo in recent weeks, which in turn led to several warnings and eventually the fines. He said the duo then visited Town Hall to pick-up the appropriate paperwork, but added they haven’t been seen since. King said the unauthorized solicitors came to police attention because residents are on the lookout following a recent series of thefts and break-ins. He added that police are still investigating whether any criminal activity was linked to those complaints. Also investigating was Town Clerk Diane Crory, who said she’s contacted the Better Business Bureau about “Urban 1, Inc” and was told they had no records of any such organization. “They said as far as they’re concerned it’s a bogus company,” said Crory. Google searches for Urban 1 and Urban One did not reveal any company website. Instead, several links about magazine-sales scams popped up. According to Crory, the Better Business Bureau advised residents to stop any checks they may have written to the company, along with monitoring account activity to ensue no unauthorized transactions. In general, King advised against purchasing from door-to-door solicitors. “Buying magazines from someone you’ve never seen before…in my opinion is just asking for trouble,” he said. In the future, Crory and King advised residents to contact authorities if there was any question about the veracity of a given solicitor, saying that information is kept on file. Crory added that most solicitors go through proper channels, putting up the $10 fee for the application, instead of risking the $200 fine for unauthorized solicitation. She said the turnaround on such requests is typically three to four days, adding the town has only rejected one such application said 2006. GateHouse News Service Wicked Local Littleton Independent http://www.wickedlocal.com Littleton, Massachusetts Read This Story |
|
Tuscaloosa man faces rape charges June 16, 2010 Tuscaloosa man faces rape charges Stephanie Taylor, Staff Writer The Tuscaloosa News Published: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 10:50 a.m. Last Modified: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 10:50 a.m.  Investigators charged Dwayne Anthony White, 20, with first-degree rape. A 19-year-old woman from another state was with a group selling magazines near his home in the 200 block of 38th Street around noon Tuesday, said Tuscaloosa County Metro Homicide Unit commander Capt. Loyd Baker. TUSCALOOSA | A Tuscaloosa man has been accused of raping a woman selling magazines door-to-door on Tuesday. Investigators charged Dwayne Anthony White, 20, with first-degree rape. A 19-year-old woman from another state was with a group selling magazines near his home in the 200 block of 38th Street around noon Tuesday, said Tuscaloosa County Metro Homicide Unit commander Capt. Loyd Baker. The woman said that White invited her inside the home off Greensboro Avenue and forcibly raped her, Baker said. The woman went to a neighbor's home and called police. She pointed out White's house and he was taken into custody. The woman was treated at DCH Regional Medical Center. White was charged Tuesday night after being interviewed by investigators with the homicide unit. He remained in the Tuscaloosa County jail Wednesday morning with bail set at $20,000. The Tuscaloosa News http://cbs2chicago.com Tuscaloosa, Alabama Read This Story |
|
Woman Helps 19 Yr. Old Who Says She Was Raped By Woman's Neighbor June 16, 2010 Woman Helps 19 Yr. Old Who Says She Was Raped By Woman's Neighbor 06/16/10 6:43 pm | reporter: Isaiah Harper posted by: Isaiah Harper ABC 33/40 Police say the victim was dropped off by her sales group in the 200 block of 38th Street and she knocked on a door where 20-year old Dwayne Anthony White was home alone. Captain Lloyd Baker says White invited the young woman in and then, "At some point, the male physically drug her into a bedroom and forcibly raped her. She said when he was distracted by a noise from the backyard, she escaped," said Baker. The girl apparently ran three houses up the street to White's neighbor, Thomasine Jones. "I heard a female voice saying help, help I've been raped. When I opened the door the young lady just fell into my arms. I asked her if she was hurting and she just kept pointing to her vaginal area saying I'm hurting and why, why and hysterically crying," says Jones. Jones dialed 911. Police arrived and surrounded White's home. Once they got inside the home, he was arrested and charged with 1st Degree Rape. He was booked into the Tuscaloosa County Jail where his bond was set at $20,000 dollars. A woman at the house where the alleged rape took place tells ABC 33/40 that White is related to her husband and he was recently invited to live with them temporarily after being put out by another relative. Jones tells ABC 33/40 she is just glad she was home at the time and knew exactly what to do. "This happened at noon and for that to happen, I did work at a hospital in Montgomery and I did know how we had to treat rape victims when they came in...You can't give them water. They can't use the bathroom until they're checked out, " Jones said. Police say college students from out of town often come to Tuscaloosa to sell magazines door to door but it was the first time they can recall anyone being attacked or assaulted. ABC 33/40 http://www.abc3340.com Birmingham, Alabama Read This Story |
|
JUST SAY NO… TO DOOR-TO-DOOR SOLICITORS June 16, 2010 JUST SAY NO… TO DOOR-TO-DOOR SOLICITORS claycord.com JUNE 16, 2010 11:38 AM We’ve got two stories to share with you, and both are somewhat disturbing. The first story happened in Unincorporated Walnut Creek. Two door-to-door salesmen were going around saying they were trying to raise money for small kids. Well, one resident of Tice Valley Boulevard didn’t buy their pitch, so he called the Sheriff’s Office, who came out and made contact with the two men. Jimmy Lee with the Sheriff’s Office tells us what happened next. The resident was able to stall them until a Deputy arrived. Deputy arrived and found out one of them had an outstanding warrant. He was arrested on the outstanding warrant. The other was released after being warned. The resident did the right thing. Always call police when there are suspicious people in the neighborhood. Solicitors (aka peddlers) are supposed to get a permit. And according to Jimmy Lee, these two men didn’t have a permit to sell door-to-door. The next story has to do with two young men, going door-to-door, saying their selling newspaper subscriptions to raise money for scholarships. Here’s what the homeowner had to say about the “salesmen”. I was just solicited at my residence by two young men, claiming to be from concord high, who said they were selling newspaper subscriptions for the contra costa times (or the chronicle our choice) for scholarship money. Now I know the school is closed and when I questioned him about having a Concord Police Department solicitors permit to go door to door he could not produce one or any identification, but he was masterful in the way he danced around the issue. Almost too good. The men said they represented Concord High School, so the homeowner called Concord High, and they said they have no knowledge of this fundraiser, and it has absolutely nothing to do with their school. Also, the people from “Pure Quality” have been spotted around Concord lately, so watch out for them, too. So, CLAYCORDIANS, be careful of door-to-door salesmen. Just look at it this way, if they’re coming to your door to try and sell you something, think of them as scammers, even if they are legit. Just say “no thanks” and shut the door. If they continue to harass you, or they don’t have a permit from the Police, then just pick up the phone and call the authorities. http://claycord.com Concord, California Read This Story http://www.kcra.com/video/22804103/index.html |
|
Council to clamp down on solicitors in West Lafayette June 15, 2010 Council to clamp down on solicitors in West Lafayette BY LEONARD HAYHURST • STAFF WRITER • JUNE 15, 2010 Coshocton Tribune Council gave first reading to an ordinance Monday that would place stricter restrictions on salespeople and organizations soliciting door to door in the village for either selling products or distributing information. Administrator Dave Kadri said regulations had not been updated since the 1950s. Changes include a five-day waiting period before permission to enter the village is granted in order for a background check to be run on individuals and businesses. Companies will also be charged $50 per person working the area, increased from $25 per group. Charitable, educational or religious groups still need to get a license from the administrative office, but are exempt from the fee. Kadri said they also would be compiling a village non-solicitation list to give to companies or residents could post do not solicit signs on their property. llhayhur@nncogannett.com; (740) 295-3417 Coshocton Tribune http://www.coshoctontribune.com Coshocton, Ohio Read This Story |
|
Police warn of door-to-door sales scam DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Cleaner Sales Company: FW Dunn end DMPG Info June 15, 2010 Police warn of door-to-door sales scam The Globe Gazette Posted: Tuesday, June 15, 2010 9:00 pm Posted in Local on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 9:00 pm Updated: 11:50 pm. | Tags: Charles City Police Department, Charles City Chamber Of Commerce, Fw Dunn, Fresh Start 2000, Scam Warning http://www.globegazette.com Mason City, Iowa Read This Story |
|
Man Gets 25 Years In Sex Assault Of Elderly Woman DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Paragon Sales Magazine Clearinghouse: Midwest Clearing Cook County Sheriff Case Number: 08-130-323 end DMPG Info June 11, 2010 Man Gets 25 Years In Sex Assault Of Elderly Woman WBBM-TV CBS 2 The Associated Press Jun 11, 2010 9:49 pm US/Central  George Lucas, 25, was sentenced 25 years for the sexual assault of an elderly woman. Cook County Sheriff's Department A Cook County judge in the Chicago suburb of Bridgeview has sentenced an Alabama man to 25 years in prison for sexually assaulting an 86-year-old woman. The Cook County Sheriff's office says Circuit Court Judge Colleen McSweeney More handed down the sentence Friday to 25-year-old George Lucas, who pleaded guilty to the attack. Lucas was arrested Aug. 30, 2008, the day he broke into the victim's home in LaGrange while he was in the suburb selling magazines door-to-door. The victim told police she was awakened by a man with his hand across her mouth, and he sexually attacked her. Officers responding to a call from a neighbor said they found Lucas' picture ID and other items belonging to him on the victim's lawn. The Associated Press http://cbs2chicago.com Chicago, Illinois Read This Story |
|
Town police warn of scam artists June 11, 2010 Town police warn of scam artists Staff Reports The Tonawanda News June 11, 2010 In the past, con artists have tried to swindle residents by selling everything from repair work like roofing, gutter-cleaning and tree-trimming to magazines and books. In the end, residents would not get what they paid for. During an incident three years ago, a con artist even damaged a resident’s roof while cleaning gutters and told the resident that he “noticed” the damage, claiming it would take $750 to repair, police said. Relatives of the resident learned of the damaged chimney and in the end they solicited a reputable repairman who rebuilt the entire chimney for half the price quoted by the gutter-cleaning con man. Town police Capt. Charles Rizzo said with so many trustworthy firms in Western New York, anyone selling things door-to-door is suspicious. Also, legitimate salesmen going door-to-door must carry a soliciting permit from the town that residents should ask to see before considering doing any business. “But even having that permit does not guarantee that they are honest people or that the company they represent is reputable,” Rizzo said. “It is up to the consumer to do their homework and refrain from signing any contract without first reading it carefully.” Rizzo said senior citizens and other unassuming residents are frequent targets for con artists, who use friendly but high-pressure tactics. The town and its police department do not endorse any products or services and residents should call the police immediately if the salesperson says otherwise. “We just want people to be aware that there will be a surge of oncoming salesmen,” Rizzo said. Residents who fall victim to a scam or suspect foul play should contact the Town of Tonawanda Police Department immediately at 876-5300 or contact the Better Business Bureau for additional business advice at 888-5222. Scam artists usually target the elderly, Rizzo said. It is also recommended that residents seek the consultation of friends or neighbors, or ask the solicitor for references of their previous work before signing a contract or paying any money. The Tonawanda News http://tonawanda-news.com Tonawanda, New York Read This Story |
|
Magazine seller gives police fake name DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Untied Quality Publications a.ka.: RLA Sales BBB Rating: F BBB on RLA end DMPG Info June 8, 2010 Magazine seller gives police fake name By MARGIE TRAX PAGE - mtrax@starbeacon.com The Star Beacon June 8, 2010 “People would purchase the subscriptions and then think twice about it and want their checks back,” he said. “One woman signed up for the magazines and then looked up the company on the Internet and believes it is a scam.” Officers found Truly McKirgan, who identified herself as Lindsay Keener, walking through the city selling magazine subscriptions for Untied Quality Publications, which is based in Florida. McKirgan told officers she is part of an eight-person team of magazine subscription salespeople who are traveling the country, trying to win a competition for total sales. The group is staying in a hotel in Cleveland, McKirgan told officers, and they are selling the subscriptions in residential areas. Officers arrested McKirgan for obstruction of official business when they discovered her real identity, which was verified through a booking photo from the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department in Arizona, police reports show. McKirgan was arraigned in Western County Court on Monday for the single charge of obstructing official business, court records show. Dudik said the magazine subscriptions are a case of “buyer beware.” “I believe they were here last year selling subscriptions,” Dudik said. “This is not uncommon. People sell a myriad of items door to door, from Girl Scout cookies to vacuum cleaners.” Dudik said residents should consider what they are buying and who they are buying it from before writing checks or handing over cash. “If you feel uncomfortable with someone selling things door-to-door, do not answer the door and call us right away,” he said. “We will come out and meet the salesperson and make sure everything is OK.” The Star Beacon http://starbeacon.com Ashtabula, Ohio Read This Story |
|
Two magazine sellers accused of wallet theft DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Freedom Sales aka: Sunshine Subscription Agency Magazine Sales Clearinghouse: Palmetto Marketing Cheektowaga Police Case#: 10-019-942 http://edumacation.com/PalmettoMarketing Google Search: Palmetto Marketing Google Search This Site For: Palmetto Marketing Google Search: Sunshine Subscription Agency Google Search This Site For: Sunshine Subscription Agency Trade Group: National Field Selling Association http://www.nfsa.com end DMPG Info June 8, 2010 Two magazine sellers accused of wallet theft The Buffalo News Updated: June 08, 2010, 7:03 am Published: June 08, 2010, 12:30 am http://www.buffalonews.com Buffalo, New York Read This Story |
|
Frederick Police Warn About Door-To-Door Fraud DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Marques Fulfillment Agency aka: Coast to Coast Sales aka: Ultimate Power Sales, Inc. aka: Ultimate Empire Sales, Inc. aka: Xtreme Marketing Inc. aka: Tuscan Readers Services, Inc. aka: Platinum Sales, Inc. aka: United Family Publication aka: Heritage Marketing Magazine Sales Clearinghouse: United Family Circulation BBB Rating: F BBB Report: United Family Circulation http://edumacation.com/UnitedFamilyCirculation Google Search: United Family Circulation Google Search This Site For: United Family Circulation end DMPG Info June 7, 2010 Frederick Police Warn About Door-To-Door Fraud WFMD Monday, June 7, 2010 Recently, a Frederick resident contacted police about two people collecting donations, claiming to represent Marques Fulfillment Agency in connection with magazine sales. After donating some cash, the citizen became suspicious and contacted police. Authorities say an internet search of the ompany found numerous reports of fraudulent activity. http://www.wfmd.com Frederick, Maryland Read This Story |
|
Saleswomen admit stealing wallet DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Freedom Sales aka: Sunshine Subscription Agency Magazine Sales Clearinghouse: Palmetto Marketing Cheektowaga Police Case#: 10-019-942 http://edumacation.com/PalmettoMarketing Google Search: Palmetto Marketing Google Search This Site For: Palmetto Marketing Google Search: Sunshine Subscription Agency Google Search This Site For: Sunshine Subscription Agency Trade Group: National Field Selling Association http://www.nfsa.com end DMPG Info June 7, 2010 Saleswomen admit stealing wallet Two magazine saleswomen have been arrested Posted by: Emily Lenihan WIVB / WNLO-TV Updated: Monday, 07 Jun 2010, 4:05 PM EDT Published : Monday, 07 Jun 2010, 11:32 AM EDT
A resident of Sierra Drive, in Cheektowaga, called police around 5 p.m. Saturday, reporting two magazine saleswomen stole his wallet off his kitchen table before leaving his house. After the resident provided a description of the women, an officer located 22-year-old Jessica Rosentengal, of Florida and 21-year-old Starla Hario,of Oklahoma. The women confessed to stealing the wallet and then throwing it away. The wallet was recovered and returned to the resident. Both Rosenstengal and Harjo were charged with fourth-degree Grand Larceny, a felony, and with Peddling without a Permit, a local law violation. Ms. Harjo was additionally charged with Possession of Marijuana. They were arraigned by Judge Thomas Kolbert and held on $ 7,500.00 bail. Regarding allowing sales people into a residence, Lt Thomas Gerace advises, “Always ask to see a permit to solicit before dealing with anyone selling door to door, and never let a stranger into your home.” Police will respond to calls of solicitors and verify that all needed permits are in order. WIVB / WNLO-TV http://www.wivb.com Buffalo, New York Read This Story |
_20100607113236_320_240.jpg)
|
New law hopes to keep summer sales crews safe in Wisconsin June 7, 2010 New law hopes to keep summer sales crews safe in Wisconsin WSAU.COM - 550am 99.9fm Posted Monday June 7, 2010  A memorial to 7 people killed in the crash of a traveling sales crew van in Janesville, Wis. Called Malinda's Law, it's designed to help keep workers and consumers safe when dealing with traveling work crews. Department of Workforce Development administrator Jennifer Ortiz says that will work two ways. First, it will ensure that all employers are licensed and insured, and that they aren't trying to maltreat their workers during the course of business. Second, will help consumers spot work crews that aren't legitimate. All employees in sales crews will now be required to carry state bonded ID on them at all times, listing their name and home address, the name and address of the business they're working for, and a seal from DWD. If a person selling something at your door can't produce these, Ortiz says you can call your local authorities, and inform them that someone might be running a scam in your neighborhood. You might not only be stopping scammers, but helping keep young adults safe from dangerous work environments. Ortiz recommends that parents of students interested in an over the road travel sales job get information first, before their student leaves. A sales crew in Wisconsin will be required to carry their work permit, as well as register with the state to prevent them from leaving behind workers out of state for poor sales, leaving them unsupervised, or dropping them off without warning many thousand miles from home. More info on the web at: http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/er/labor_standards_bureau/traveling_sales_crew.htm http://www.wsau.com Madison, Wisconsin Read This Story |
|
Magazine hawkers arrested for lacking permits in Chatham Township DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Urban Development Solutions aka: Golden Key Inc. aka: New Trinity Inc. aka: Ultimate Unity http://www.uunity.biz aka: Self Starters Inc. http://www.selfstartersinc.com Magazine Sales Company Clearinghouse: MagMart http://www.magmart.biz end DMPG Info June 7, 2010 Magazine hawkers arrested for lacking permits in Chatham Township By New Jersey Local News Service nj.com June 07, 2010, 10:06PM nj.com http://www.nj.com New Jersey Read This Story |
|
Door-to-door sales crackdown under way in Littleton DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Midwest Clearing Inc. "Strictly" Business Urban 1 Urban Development end DMPG Info June 7, 2010 Door-to-door sales crackdown under way in Littleton By Rachel R. Briere, rbriere@lowellsun.com The Sun Updated: 06/07/2010 06:45:23 AM EDT The Sun lowellsun.com http://www.lowellsun.com Lowell,Massachusetts Read This Story |
|
solicitation/fraud alert June 6, 2010 solicitation/fraud alert Entered By: The City of Frederick Entered On: Sunday June 6th, 2010 :: 10:13 p.m. EDT http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&q=marquis+fulfillment+agency+llc&aq=1sx&aqi=g-s1g-sx9&aql=&oq=marques+fu&gs_rfai=CCbHEnRQMTNfpF5LmygT9kKD3BgAAAKoEBU_Q8CY0 Residents are reminded that door to door solicitation is not illegal in the City of Frederick, nor is a permit required. However, the Frederick Police Department will always respond to any solicitation complaint to make an effort to determine the validity of the solicitation, and investigate fraud of this kind. Nevertheless, citizens should continue to exercise their own best judgement when it comes to dealing with solicitors. Some tips: 1. Request identification. Employees of a legitimate company should have no difficulty providing this. 2. Be very cautious of the nature of information you provide. This applies not only to sensitive personal information such as account numbers and social security numbers, but also to information about security features of your home and when the home is typically unoccupied. 3. Do not allow yourself to be pressured into making a purchase or signing a contract. If a deal is good today, it will be good tomorrow. Give yourself a cooling off period. 4. Be very careful about who you allow into your home, and keep valuable personal items out of sight. 5. The Federal Trade Commission's website, www.ftc.gov, contains excellent information about fraud and identity theft. Address/Location The City of Frederick 101 N Court St Frederick, MD 21701 Contact Emergency: 9-1-1 Non-emergencies: 301-600-1440 http://local.nixle.com Frederick, Maryland Read This Story |
|
Beware merry lads pushing magazines June 4, 2010 Beware merry lads pushing magazines By JAMES LILEKS, Star Tribune Last update: June 4, 2010 - 8:18 AM I've had my run-ins with these merry lads. They usually have "credentials," which consists of a piece of paper with the name of some company like Sunshine Empowerment League, and it's laminated for extra credibility. No one who was planning to cheat you would go to the expense of lamination, after all. They come on with a strong line of patter that touts their great deals -- these are original magazines, never read, staple-reinforced, with consecutively numbered pages: state of the art. Say no, they press on. Say no again and start to close the door, and their faces morph into mug-shot expressions. Charming guys. Plus, they never have any magazine I want. They always offer Prevention, which is preferable to Contagion, I suppose, but I always associate it with people who strap on feed-bags of wheat germ and live for stories like "Toes: Posture's Foot Soldiers." There's weird mags you've never heard about like NASCAR Gardening, and a few big names, like Life. If you point out that Life is, in fact, dead, they assure you that it's still publishing. Not that they have any samples: They never have samples. It's like going to the butcher counter at Cub and having the clerk describe a cow. Of course we have cows in the back. Look, my badge is laminated. That said: If they sold Grit, I might bite. When I was growing up, all the comics had ads for Grit, "America's Most Beloved Magazine Whose Existence May Be Purely Theoretical." The ads showed a kid with a Grit bag slung over his shoulder, holding a wad of money, grinning at the things he'd buy: Fireworks! A rifle! A slingshot! Enriched Uranium! Earn money selling GRIT! The name alone was mystifying; perhaps it was called The Journal of Finely Granulated Stone in the 19th century, and they chose something snappier in the '20s, but you still didn't know what it was. Except that people were apparently hanging out of the windows waving fivers, hoping a GRIT BOY came along with the once-in-a-lifetime chance. There you are! I've heard about Grit all my life, and the curiosity plumb near drove me mad. Lay some Grit on me, lad, and hurl it hard! The very fact that the kid in the ad had a special paperboy bag suggested you'd be walking up and down the street, hurling rolled GRIT onto every porch -- when in fact you probably got one customer besides Mom and Dad. You walked the issue over, laid it on the steps and ran away, as though GRIT bound you together in some secret shame. No one I knew had GRIT. No one I knew had ever seen a copy of GRIT. I go to antique stores a lot, and they're heaped with old mags; never a GRIT. It's possible the entire thing was a means for Communist agents to communicate plans from Fearless Leader, and subscribers were commanded to burn each issue when they'd read it. The flaw in the magazine-scam artists might be their use of grown-ups, when you think about it. We're all suckers for kids who sell things door to door. A kid shows up in a Cub or Girl Scout uniform, and the checkbooks come out so fast the kid has windburn, lest we sour them on capitalism and personal initiative. What's that? Twenty pounds of grapefruit I'll never eat? Two boxes, please. So to recap: Adults selling magazines: Be suspicious. Kids in uniforms selling Grit and grapefruit: Stock up. Unless the kid has a laminated badge. That's your clue the mag-men have switched tactics. jlileks@startribune.com • 612-673-7858 http://www.startribune.com Minneapolis, Minnesota Read This Story |
|
BBB: Do research on door-to-door June 3, 2010 BBB: Do research on door-to-door By Lee Anderson TimesRecordNews Posted June 3, 2010 at 12:14 a.m. That is the advice from Better Business Bureau of North Central Texas President Monica Horton. “It is very true that when the temperatures heat up, door-to-door salesmen start making their rounds ... and North Texas has been a hotbed in recent weeks,” Horton said. “We have had reports on door-to-door meat sales, companies selling cleaning products and a couple of alarm companies.” Horton said her office has received dozens of calls inquiring about Austin Diversified Products, APX Alarm Security Systems, Pinnacle Security and a couple of meat companies, including Best Choice Meat Co. in Fort Worth. “Both alarm companies are based out of Utah. APX Alarm has a C- rating with the BBB, and 1,649 complaints as well as numerous government actions from multiple states including Louisiana, California, Washington, Oregon and Maryland,” she pointed out. Horton said Pinnacle Security has an F rating with the BBB and has 1,182 complaints as well as government action in California, Oregon, Utah and Illinois. She also said consumer complaints filed against Austin Diversified Products selling Advantage Wonder Cleaner included 15 serious allegations of aggressive or harassing salespeople. Horton stressed that many door-to-door salesmen are honest but cautioned consumers to ask questions and check a business out before making a purchase at the door. Horton pointed out that complaints have been brought to the attention of Best Choice Meat Co. by the BBB and primarily concerned “quality and service issues, specifically that consumers allege the company will not refund purchase price as promised by salesmen, the company fails to return telephone calls, poor quality of meat, inappropriate behavior by customer service personnel and aggressive sales tactics.” Horton said the company normally responds, though, by refunding the money or by offering to replace their products after being contacted by the BBB. “The company is still accredited by the Better Business Bureau in Fort Worth, and they resolve the issues after being contacted by the BBB by refunding the money,” Horton explained. That, she said, is why unsatisfied customers should always contact the BBB immediately. When considering buying meat from a door-to-door salesman, the BBB recommends: -- Do your research. Ask the salesmen for written material about the company and let them know you are going to research them first before doing business with them. heck the company’s Reliability Report with your BBB. Many communities have licensing and permit requirements for food vendors and for selling door-to-door; confirm with your city or county government that the seller is in line with the law. -- Don’t fall for empty promises. The seller might claim to offer a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, but many complainants had no way to contact the seller if they were dissatisfied. Additionally, the seller might claim that the meat is a higher grade than it really is. -- Never pay with cash. When paying by check or credit card you have at least some way to protect your money — such as canceling the check or reporting it as fraud to your credit card company. If you pay with cash and are dissatisfied, you’re at the mercy of the salesman. -- Know your rights. If you decide to make a purchase, ask for a dated cancellation form and a dated receipt. Remember, the Federal Trade Commission Cooling-Off Rule gives you three business days to cancel the purchase. Saturday is considered a business day. -- Report the bad guys. If you feel that you were ripped off by a door-to-door salesmen, file a complaint with your Better Business Bureau. Also report any unlicensed salesmen to the appropriate city or county authorities. Consumers with questions about purchasing meat may contact the USDA’S Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854. For more advice about making smart purchasing decisions, go online to www.bbb.org/us/consumer-tips-product-purchasing. The telephone number for the Wichita Falls BBB is 940-691-1172. TimesRecordNews http://www.timesrecordnews.com Wichita Falls, Texas Read This Story |
|
Barrington Police warn residents to watch for peddlers June 3, 2010 Barrington Police warn residents to watch for peddlers Four men charged last week — two were wanted for crimes in other states By Josh Bickford eastbayri.com 6/3/10 01:54PM Last week Barrington Police charged four men with peddling or hawking items without permits. Two of the men reportedly had extensive criminal backgrounds; there were also active warrants out of Ohio and California for those men. The situation raised warning flags for local law enforcement officials who were concerned about the well-being of residents who might be approached by these men. “People should call the police department. We’ll check to see if they [the peddlers] have a permit,” said Barrington Police Sgt. Joe Andreozzi. On May 24, police charged Malvin Kirkland and Michael Robinson with peddling or hawking goods without a permit after an Orchard Avenue resident called the station. Mr. Kirkland, 26, of Cleveland, Ohio, was wanted on a warrant out of Ohio; officials wanted him extradited to that state. Mr. Robinson, 43, of Minneapolis, Minn., was wanted on an active warrant out of Los Angeles, Calif., but law enforcement there said they would not pay to extradite him. A day later two more men were charged with the same offense. First a Promenade Street resident called police to report a man selling magazines door-to-door in that area; officers responded and charged Aaron Ray, 22, of Brunswick, Ga., with hawking or peddling goods without a permit. Officials also charged Kevin Riley, 35, of Orangeburg, S.C. after an Acre Avenue resident phoned police about Mr. Riley going door-to-door trying to sell magazines. Neither Mr. Ray nor Mr. Riley had any arrest warrants. Police are also warning residents not to buy any subscriptions from peddlers. Officials said the companies the men represent are bogus — they take residents’ money and never deliver the magazines. There are numerous websites — like ripoffreport.com — warning people about the sales scam. The police department’s dispatch phone number is 437-3930. eastbayri.com http://www.eastbayri.com Bristol, Rohde Island Read This Story |
|
Orange Beach adopts door-to-door sales law June 3, 2010 Orange Beach adopts door-to-door sales law By Ryan Dezember http://blog.al.com June 03, 2010, 8:13AM "It will expand the areas in which solicitation is allowed under," said City Attorney Wanda Cochran. "But it also creates a do-not solicit list that residents can join." Door-to-door sales techniques are considered by recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings to be a type of speech, which means that local governments that ban or limit soliciting extensively are, in the court's view, limiting speech and thus violating the U.S. Constitution. In dealing with a company that last summer wanted to sell magazine subscriptions door-to-door, Orange Beach's legal staff decided that the city's restrictions of such businesses were too broad. Until the ordinance was approved, peddlers could only work in the city's small sliver or industrially zoned property, which includes no residences. The new law allows door-to-door sales in many of the city's neighborhoods along Canal Road, east of Ala. 161 and a few pockets of homes along the beach highway. No peddling is allowed between 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. The ordinance also spells out the criteria that must be met when applying for a peddler's permit. They must provide a description of their business, the name of their employer, two recent photographs and a criminal history. Certain convictions -- drug dealing, fraud, sexual offences and violent crimes within a certain time period -- will exclude an applicant from being able to solicit in Orange Beach. Applicants must also pay a $125 application fee and, in some cases, post a bond with the city's Finance Department. Solicitors who break the law can be fined up to $500 for each violation, according to the ordinance. Those going door-to-door on behalf of a school, religious organization or nonprofit organization are exempt from having to obtain a permit. When solicitors receive their permits, they'll be given a map showing the parts of Orange Beach in which they can work as well as a copy of the city's do-not-solicit list, Cochran said. Anyone who owns, rents or otherwise occupies property in Orange Beach can sign up for inclusion on that list, according to the ordinance. City Administrator Ken Grimes said the City Hall would begin forming that list today. Interested residents and owners should call 251-981-6979 for more information. http://blog.al.com Orange Beach, Alabama Read This Story |
|
Oregon sex offender apprehended June 3, 2010 Oregon sex offender apprehended By Leia Mendoza WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER Published Thursday June 3, 2010 Police also learned that he had been arrested in Lincoln on an outstanding warrant from a 2007 case in which he let himself in to a woman’s house without her consent while he was selling magazines. Douglas now faces a federal charge, accused of failing to register as a sex offender in Nebraska, said Jan Sharp of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. According to a federal arrest affidavit, Douglas was required to register as a sex offender for life in Oregon after being convicted of first-degree attempted sexual abuse in the state in January 2001. He was convicted twice in Oregon of failing to register as a sex offender. Douglas told authorities he knowingly didn’t register as a sex offender in Nebraska. He said he worked for two magazine sales companies, traveling to at least a dozen states and staying in the states for at least a week. Most recently, he told investigators, he sold magazines in Omaha, Plattsmouth, Bellevue and Ralston before being arrested. Contact the writer: 444-1336, leia.mendoza@owh.com WORLD-HERALD STAFF WRITER http://www.omaha.com Omaha, Nebraska Read This Story |
|
Door-to-door Charity Scam in DC Area DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Marquis Fulfillment Agency LLC end DMPG Info June 2, 2010 Door-to-door Charity Scam in DC Area ABC 7 News WJLA-TV ABC 7 Talkback posted: Wednesday June 2 @ 12:22 am ET WJLA-TV ABC 7 Talkback http://cfc.wjla.com Arlington, Virginia Read This Story |
|
Sex Offender Caught Selling Magazines DMPG Info: Ralston Police Department Case Number: 1005-0888 Mag Cew/Company: Bowser Sales end DMPG Info June 2, 2010 Sex Offender Caught Selling Magazines Reported by Dave Roberts Action 3 News KMTV Posted: Jun 02, 2010 9:32 PM CDT Updated: Jun 03, 2010 8:34 AM CDT It's illegal being an unregistered sex offender. It's also illegal to sell magazines door-to-door in Ralston without a permit. Fortunately for police, they say Robin Douglas didn't know that. "This is one of those times that I am glad somebody called," says Ralston Police Chief Ron Murtaugh. An alert neighbor called police after seeing solicitors in the neighborhood. When officers ran background checks, a red flag popped up on Douglas, a registered sex offender from Oregon on the run. "This is one person who was obviously not in compliance and was using various employment opportunities to avoid compliance," says Chief Murtaugh. Ralston Police say when they called Oregon to report the arrest, the state refused to take him back saying they couldn't afford the extradition cost. Not giving up, Ralston Police pursue a federal sex offender registration violation and get it. "It's gratifying to know that the police are on their game and a lot of shock though too also," says Dan Vicario of Ralston. Douglas will face the federal charge in Nebraska and be held until the court rules. It's a relief for a community, now thanking a vigilant nameless neighbor. "I can't say how much I appreciate what they did. I don't know who they are, but what they did is astonishing," says Mel Murchison of Ralston. In 2001 an Oregon court convicted Douglas of attempted first degree sexual assault. Ralston police say he told them, it involved underage girls. Reported by Dave Roberts, droberts@action3news Action 3 News KMTV http://www.kmtv.com Omaha, Nebraska Read This Story |
|
Registered Sex Offender, Parole Violator Caught In Ralston June 2, 2010 Updated: 5:18 PM Jun 2, 2010 Registered Sex Offender, Parole Violator Caught In Ralston Wanted in Oregon A man arrested in Ralston posing as a magazine salesman is a registered sex offender from Oregon who violated his parole. Posted: 5:18 PM Jun 2, 2010 Reporter: WOWT Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com  Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com http://www.wowt.com Omaha, Nebraska Read This Story |
|
Minneapolis PD: Door-to-Door Magazine Solicitors June 2, 2010 Minneapolis PD: Door-to-Door Magazine Solicitors Crime Alerts Crime Alerts from SpotCrime June 2, 2010 Each year Business Licensing deals with a number of complaints about door to door solicitors. If anyone comes to your door trying to sell you anything, take orders for future delivery or tries to sell you any type of alarm system, make sure they have a Minneapolis Solicitors License. When you open the door, the first words you should be saying are, let me see you Minneapolis Solicitors License. It they don’t have one, send them on their way and call 911. Don't be afraid to call 911. A 911 police call is NOT just for emergencies, it's also any time you want to report illegal or suspicious activity or want a police squad for some other reason. Tell the 911 operator that an unlicensed solicitor is going door to door on your block. After you call them, call me at 612-673-3911 and if I'm not in leave me a message regarding the address they are currently at and your phone number. Once someone signs a contract with an unlicensed solicitor, its very difficult to get them out of it and trying to get a hold of someone from the company is extremely frustrating. Help your neighbor, if they come to your door, take appropriate action. For questions, contact: Amy Lavender, Crime Prevention Specialist Minneapolis Police Department, 5th Precinct (612) 673-5407 amy.lavender@ci.minneapolis.mn.us Minneapolis, Minnesota Read This Story |
|
Fake magazine salesman disrupts Garrett Park June 2, 2010 Fake magazine salesman disrupts Garrett Park Residents left leery of solicitors by Alex Ruoff | Staff Writer The Gazette Wednesday, June 2, 2010 He told Phillips he lived in the neighborhood, that he was home from college, and needed to raise money to go to England this summer for an internship. Being a good neighbor, Phillips wrote him a check. "He even gave me a receipt," Phillips said. "So I Googled the company on it and it immediately comes up as a scam. I thought: ‘I'm such a sucker.'" Police responded to the report, along with a similar one from a nearby resident, at 6:25 p.m. May 12 and found the magazine salesman shortly thereafter, said a spokesman for Montgomery County police. Officers made the man — whose identity was not released — return the checks and sent him on his way. He was not arrested, police said. Phillips said the incident has made him concerned about solicitors coming to his door. "From now on, I have an age limit for people who come to my door selling something; if you're not an eight-year-old I'm going to think it's a scam," he said. While the incident may seem innocuous, police spokeswoman Lucille Baur said such incidents are often related to community thefts, like vehicle break-ins and residential burglaries, which have seen a spike in recent weeks. "There have been times when a person is using door-to-door solicitation as a ruse to canvas a neighborhood," she said. Second district police officers responded to 117 reports of thefts from vehicles and almost 60 residential burglaries between April 1 and May 18 — an increase from the first two months of this year, which saw 71 thefts from vehicles and 44 home burglaries, according to police data. The 2nd district includes Bethesda, Kensington, Garrett Park and North Bethesda. Dana Stroman, a community services officer for 2nd district said in a release that burglaries and break-ins can be avoided by observant homeowners. "We must be vigilant about crimes of opportunity — car thefts and home burglaries in particular," she said. "Many home burglaries are quick events, in-and-out within 5-10 minutes. So, in addition to precautions such as locking your doors whenever you leave your home, concentrate on ‘hardening' your residence to entry." Homeowners associations are helping out as well, organizing information meetings about the crimes. Natalie Goldberg, a member of the Coalition of Kensington Communities — a group of Kensington-area homeowners — said a Montgomery County police officer came to a meeting to update residents on the occurrences. "We've had people do it over the years, when there have been a number of issues going on," she said. "We think it helps people prepare." The Gazette http://www.gazette.net Gaithersburg, Maryland Read This Story |
|
CPD nabs door-to-door salespeople for permit violations DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: KLMN Readers Service Inc. Website: http://klmnreaders.com end DMPG Info June 2, 2010 CPD nabs door-to-door salespeople for permit violations All three salespeople were residents of other states. By Jimmy Hibsch The Maneater Published June 2, 2010 Following a call from a citizen who complained of three people going door-to-door selling magazine subscriptions, officers arrested Natoshia Blaine, 29, of South Carolina, Johnny Boatwright, 23, of Georgia and Carl Smith, 31, of Michigan, all on suspicion of soliciting within the city limits without a license, according to a press release issued by the department. CPD Sgt. Dan Beckman said such charges are common in Columbia and it costs the city money. "The victim in a crime like this is the city," Beckman said. "When someone sells something without getting a permit to do so, the city doesn't get the money for the permit." The release said a member of the group told a witness they were a part of KLMN Readers Service Inc., a Chesapeake, Va.-based magazine subscription agency. Several consumer reports on the Internet accuse the company of committing fraud across the country. Sandy Jimenez, a spokesman for Magazine Publishers of America said the industry has trouble controlling the practice. "We do hear about this kind of stuff from time to time," he said. "It's sort of a difficult thing to corral because it's people basically buying magazines in bulk and then reselling them." The release said the three were going door to door in the North Cedar Lake Drive West and also on Nikki Way. CPD spokeswoman Jessie Haden said the problem is bigger than most people realize. "People call us about these kind of things, but for everyone who does, there are plenty who don't," she said. "We want residents to realize they are not wasting our time. If it is a nuisance for them in their neighborhoods or if they're made to feel uncomfortable, they should call us." The release said residents could contact CPD if they suspect any fraudulent activity. The Maneater http://www.themaneater.com University of Missouri Columbia, Missouri Read This Story |
|
Solicitors Defy Village of Arlington Heights Rules Today June 1, 2010 Solicitors Defy Village of Arlington Heights Rules Today THE CARDINAL Arlingtoncardinal.com Tuesday June 01 2010 11:14 pm  Van that appeared to wait for crew but didn’t pick up two male/white door-to-door salesmen. The van left Rolling Lane as soon as two door-to-door salesmen left the block. At least two separate crews of solicitors were on the streets today in Arlington Heights. Neither of the two crews logged in at the police desk as required, and it is unknown if they had any solicitor permits at all. One crew in the area of Fremont and Douglas Avenue about 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, claimed they were not solicitors, so they also claimed they were not required to carry solicitor permits. However, one of the solicitors, pulled a ‘certificate’ out of his pocket. He said the village required the certificate, and even took his fingerprint, which he proudly displayed on the certificate. After a call to a clerk in the Village of Arlington Heights Building Department that manages solicitor permits, The Cardinal learned there is no procedure for solicitors or survey takers that involves fingerprinting. The Cardinal also learned by calling in to the police desk that there were no solicitors logged in to the police desk for Tuesday, June 1, 2010. Which means even if a group of solicitors had a permit for today, they were not legitimately on the streets, because they didn’t log in to the police desk at police headquarters. Part of the reason solicitors are required to log in is so that residents can call the police desk (847-368-5300) to attempt to verify if a solicitor with a certain organization name is legitimately on the streets. The two solicitors that were not legitimately on the streets going door-to-door were male/white, both were in their early 20’s. One had thick blond hair and a thick build. Another was a male/white with light brown hair and a thin build. Both were about 5'9? tall.  Silver van, appeared to be part of crew waiting for two male/white door-to-door salesman. The second crew was going door-to-door on Rolling Lane, just north of Euclid Avenue at about 5:40 p.m. Tuesday. One neighbor on the street let two male/white subjects in her house. The two men, were described as male/whites in their early 20’s — one with a thick build and one with a thinner build (see photo). The men said their parents lived just around the corner on Scottsvale Lane, that they were selling magazines, and that they were trying to win a trip to Barcelona, Spain. The Cardinal was investigating the crews today and noticed a silver van pull up into Rolling Lane and turn around and wait at the curb — apparently waiting for the two male/white subjects that were going door-to-door. Inside the silver Econoline 350 van were two male/black subjects in their 20’s, about 5' 9? tall. One of the male/blacks was named Jesse. The two males/whites walked south on Rolling Lane toward Euclid Avenue. They walked close to the silver van, but did not get in, and kept on walking to Euclid Avenue. Then they turned and walked westbound on the north side shoulder of Euclid Avenue. That’s when the silver van left its position on Rolling Lane and also headed westbound and pulled over to the shoulder about 50 yards ahead of the two male/whites that were walking. When the two male/white men saw that they were being photographed by The Cardinal, they turned around and flipped the bird (yes, the naughty gesture) and the van that was apparently waiting for them pulled away and continued westbound on Euclid Avenue.  Two solicitors walking southbound on Rolling Lane in Arlington Heights. No lanyards with permits visible.  Walking past the van on Rolling Lane near Euclid Avenue.  Van pulls away from shoulder after camera aims westbound along the Euclid Avenue shoulder. Solicitors tend to play on a victim’s guilt with a plea to help out the solicitor. After all Arlington Heights is the City of Good Neighbors, right? Who wouldn’t want to help out a poor college student? They often pretend to be local (‘live right around the corner’) while, in fact, many of the solicitors arrive in crews from other states. Some have drug problems and are actually abused by the crew leaders. Burglaries sometimes rise when solicitors come to town, and the intelligence gained by solicitors casing out neighborhoods can often offer the perfect opportunity for burglars in the team. Residents are advised to take security precautions with solicitors, especially with ruse/scams also reported in the area where offenders can distract you from seeing other team offenders that may enter your house while you are distracted — and steal items from your home. Call 9-1-1 for all suspicious incidents, for solicitors that are rude or aggressive, for solicitors that don’t display a permit, and for solicitors that make strange comments. Don’t let people in your house, and don’t walk out of your house. Be especially careful outside in your yard, when your door might be unlocked. Arlingtoncardinal.com http://www.arlingtoncardinal.com Arlington Heights, Illinois Read This Story |
|
Yarmouth bylaw limits door-to-door sales May 31, 2010 Yarmouth bylaw limits door-to-door sales By Patrick Cassidy pcassidy@capecodonline.com Cape Cod Times May 31, 2010 The town's police department is building a list of addresses where salespeople like the ill-fated Loman of Arthur Miller's play "Death of a Salesman" will be prohibited from knocking. The list — similar to the national do-not-call registry for telemarketing — is new to Cape Cod but has been tried in other areas where local officials want to limit aggressive salespeople and the possible exploitation of young workers who sell magazines door to door. Yarmouth town meeting approved a bylaw last year that requires anyone soliciting business on front stoops to register with police. It also gives residents the opportunity to place their address on a no-solicitation list. The bylaw has now been approved by the state attorney general's office. This season is the first full one in which it will be used, said Yarmouth police Deputy Chief Frank Frederickson. The bylaw does not affect religious or political organizations, he said. A similar statewide law was proposed by Rep. Cleon Turner, D-Dennis, and Sen. Michael Morrissey, D-Quincy, several years ago but died after resistance from the industry. Yarmouth police typically have been inundated with complaints about door-to-door magazine sales during summer. And increases in property crimes appear associated with the presence of so-called traveling sales crews, Frederickson said. "People call us all the time," he said. "They don't know who these people are." More serious crimes have resulted from poor or nonexistent screening of salespeople hired by some companies, said Phil Ellenbecker, founder of Wisconsin-based Dedicated Memorial Parents Group, which advocates against the sales technique. "We're talking rape and murder," Ellenbecker said. "That's what's happening out there." Even the salespeople are at risk, he said. Ellenbecker's daughter was one of seven young people killed in a 1999 van accident while working for one of the sales crews. The driver of the van was unlicensed and caused the accident when he tried to switch seats after spotting a police officer, Ellenbecker said. Other young salespeople have been killed when they knocked on the wrong door or have committed crimes themselves, he said. In Wisconsin the state Legislature passed a law recently to limit the abuses by organizations with questionable employment practices. The law forces companies to hire salespeople rather than contracting them for the work, thus increasing their liability for employees, Ellenbecker said. Turner said a state law would be better than individual communities tackling the issue, because it would be more predictable for sales organizations. Instead of paying a registration fee for each town, companies could pay a single fee to operate statewide, he said. But some of the organizations that will feel the brunt of the bylaw questioned whether it is fair to target the industry indiscriminately. "The business that we're in at Southwestern is helping college students have their own businesses," said Dan Moore, president of Southwestern Co., a 155-year-old Tennessee-based organization that supports college students who sell educational materials door to door. His company is different from traveling sales crews because students settle into a community for the entire summer, living with host families and building relationships, Moore said. Southwestern encourages its students to abide by all local laws and submits them to criminal background checks if necessary, he said. Margaret Fallon, a real estate agent from Chatham, said working three summers for Southwestern in the 1980s was one of the hardest things she ever did, but it was also rewarding and paid her way through college. "You're running your own business," she said. Southwestern supports the Wisconsin law, but to avoid potential confusion, Moore suggested homeowners simply post their no-trespassing signs on their property rather than sign up for a list as is proposed in Yarmouth, Moore said. An Internet search reveals that Southwestern has critics as well, including websites dedicated to uncovering it as a "scam" that exploits students. "They just don't want to be regulated," Turner said. "I think other towns will look at (a no-solicitation bylaw) as the summer goes on and incidents occur again." In Waltham, where a no-solicitation list has been kept since at least 2008, the response has been limited. About 250 people have signed up, said Waltham police Officer Michael Talmer, out of a population of roughly 60,000. Those who have signed up appear satisfied with the results, he said. Elsewhere the idea has been more popular. In Thomasville, Ga., almost 4,000 addresses of about 10,000 have been added to a similar list in place since 2003, Town Clerk Kathleen Vinson wrote in an e-mail to the Times. The Barnstable police, who already require sales groups to register when they come to town, are also considering their own no-knock list, Deputy Chief Craig Tamash said. "We have found people who should really not be allowed to visit any elderly or anyone at all at 9 o'clock at night," Tamash said. "One of the huge issues is the intimidation factor."
pcassidy@capecodonline.com Cape Cod Times http://www.capecodonline.com Hyannis, Massachusetts Read This Story |
|
Dedicated Memorial Parents Group DMPG Commentary May 31, 2010 The Dedicated Memorial Parents Group would like to congratulate the town of Yarmouth and police Deputy Chief Frank Frederickson for his hard work in making this law possible. We would like to suggest that the State of Massachusetts take a look at the Wisconsin legislation (SB-4) that was signed into law on March 26, 2009 and went into effect on April 10, 2010. Malinda's Traveling Sales Crew Protection Act (SB-4) is the most powerful door-to-door regulatory legislation in the country and would benefit not only Massachusetts but all states. It's primary objective is to protect Wisconsin kids and homeowners from the continued crime, exploitation, and fraud that currently plagues the direct sales industry. For information on the Wisconsin legislation please review the following page: Wisconsin Legislation The DMPG at this time would like to clarify a bold faced lie that unfortunately was printed in the above article entitled: 'Yarmouth bylaw limits door-to-door sales' By Patrick Cassidy, and would like to point out that by no means is Mr. Cassidy or the Cape Cod Times responsible for this blatant and intentional deviation of the truth. Dan Moore, president of Southwestern Company was quoted as saying: "Southwestern supports the Wisconsin law, but to avoid potential confusion, Moore suggested homeowners simply post their no-trespassing signs on their property rather than sign up for a list as is proposed in Yarmouth, Moore said." The above statement by Mr. Moore that Southwestern supports the Wisconsin Law is a total falsehood. Shame on you Mr. Moore for trying to deceive the readers of the Cape Cod Times. The reality of Southwestern's foul behavior towards the Wisconsin legislation has been documented and fully recorded on this web site and with Wisconsin State Senator Jon Erpenbach's office. For all three iterations of Malinda's Traveling Sales Crew Protection Act between Wisconsin legislative sessions 2006 - 2009 (Wisconsin Legislation 2006: SB-251, Wisconsin Legislation 2007: SB-80, Wisconsin Legislation 2009: SB-4) Southwestern Company fought tooth and nail to destroy this bill. The fact is Southwestern Company hired a lobbyist to try and persuade Senator Jon Erpenbach to make an exception for Southwestern and exempt them from the law because they were 'different' from other door-to-door sales companies. As far as I can tell the only thing that is 'different' is in the way Mr. Moore manipulates and mutilates the truth. His delivery is more 'white collar' than the run-of-the-mill magazine sales crew owners. Mr. Moore is more in league with the National Field Selling Association and the MPA when it comes to the truth. The fact is Southwestern Company paid $1000.00 in campaign contributions (?) to Wisconsin State Representative Terry Moulton who just happened to be chairman of the Small Business Committee in 2007 when the SB-80 legislation died in committee. As a side note Mr. Moulton was not re-elected to office as a Wisconsin State Representative. How extremely regrettable that Southwestern, a company that started it’s business selling bibles door-to-door as a messenger for God has so blatantly decided to ignore the moral, ethical, and labor issues regarding the Wisconsin SB-80 legislation. “Malinda’s Traveling Sales Crew Protection Act” or SB-80 authored by Wisconsin State Senator Jon Erpenbach is a solid work of legislation that must not be modified or amended. Its primary purpose is to protect Wisconsin homeowners and kids from the continued violence that exists nationwide in the door-to-door sales industry. Its secondary purpose is to give rights to door-to-door sales agents who are currently being treated as indentured servants. Southwestern Company is the only organization in the entire United States that is against this legislation. No other business, state department, or company has ever objected to this bill. One needs to ask why only Southwestern Company would prevail in trying to destroy a piece of legislation that has nothing to do them. The answer from our perspective is more than obvious and it has nothing to do with the safety and well being of Wisconsin kids and homeowners. Take a look at the only company in the United States that fought against a bill to protect Wisconsin Kids and homeowners: Wisconsin Legislation 2006: SB-251: SB-251 Wisconsin Legislation 2007: SB-80: SB-80 Wisconsin Legislation 2009: SB-4: SB-4 Take a close look at the Southwestern Company: Southwestern Company Take an even closer look at the Southwestern Company. Read these testimonies of former Southwestern Company Independent Contractors: http://southwesterncompanytruth.com To conclude the DMPG offers this as something that the Direct Sales Industry and the Traveling Door-to-Door Industry can stick up their craw: We will pass meaningful federal legislation to regulate you. |
|
Aggressive door-to-door salespeople hit Longview DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Sales Crew: T&B Sales, Inc. Clearinghouse: Austin Diversified Products end DMPG Info May 29, 2010 Questionable business going door-to-door in Yakima County KNDO-TV Posted: May 29, 2010 9:03 PM CDT Updated: May 30, 2010 12:30 AM CDT Several people have been spotted selling "miracle" cleaning product, "Advanage," door-to-door in the past week. Police say they work for T&B Sales, which has an F rating in Oregon from the Better Business Bureau. The City of Yakima's municipal code department has revoked their license to solicit within city limits. Salespeople have also been seen in West Valley and Terrace Heights. http://www.kndu.com Yakima, Washington Read This Story |
|
Magazine Salesman DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Sales Company: Kirby Vacuum Kirby Vaccum is a member of: Direct Selling Association Direct Selling Association Web Site Read The DSA Code of Ethices end DMPG Info May 28, 2010 Vaccum Salesman Charged With Indecent Liberties Of A Minor Carrie Hodgin WFMY News 2 Created: 5/28/2010 10:50:30 PM Updated: 5/29/2010 5:29:55 PM  WFMY News 2 http://www.digtriad.com Greensboro, North Carolina Read This Story |
|
3 magazine peddlers charged in Clarkstown May 26, 2010 3 magazine peddlers charged in Clarkstown BY JANE LERNER • JLERNER@LOHUD.COM • MAY 26, 2010 The Journal News And LoHud.Com They were arrested during two incidents that occurred Monday evening, town police said. The first was at 7 p.m., when a Germonds Road resident notified authorities that a person was selling magazines door to door. Police responded and charged Darrell Price, 21, of Chicago with soliciting without a license, a violation. A little more than an hour later, a resident of Green Road in West Nyack reported that two women were going door to door selling magazine subscriptions. Police responded and charged Dion Dock, 24, of Florence, S.C., and Antikeyia Walkersmith, 21, of Sacramento , Calif., with soliciting without a license. All suspects were released without bail. For the past several summers, young people from out of town have been brought to Rockland County to sell magazine subscriptions. Reports of crime have been associated with some of the magazine sellers in the Lower Hudson Valley. In Ramapo last summer, three out-of-town salespeople faced drug and weapons charges after police said they found marijuana, methamphetamines and a .22-caliber handgun in their car. In 2008, an Ohio magazine solicitor was accused of attacking his girlfriend at the Holiday Inn in Montebello. He was charged with attempted murder, but the woman wouldn't cooperate, prosecutors said. The man pleaded guilty to an assault charge and served several months in the county jail. In Putnam County last month, police reported finding a solicitor with mail stolen from a residential mailbox in Carmel. And in Westchester County this month, a magazine solicitor from Chicago was accused of breaking into and trying to steal a television from a Croton Falls home in North Salem. Joshua L. Bournes, charged with second-degree burglary, was being held Tuesday in the county jail. He is due back in court June 7. "These workers are all transients. The magazine company promises them big money to sell magazines, but I'm not sure the companies are doing (criminal) background checks on these individuals," Carmel Police Chief Michael Johnson said Tuesday. "We have problems like this every spring." In Carmel, police have made several arrests of magazine solicitor who lacked the required town peddling permit and, in at least one case, a judge sent a repeat offender to county jail. Police recommend that residents ask to see a salesperson's license before making a purchase. If that person does not have a license, call authorities, police said. Staff writer Terence Corcoran contributed to this report. http://www.lohud.com White Plains, New York Read This Story |
|
Magazine solicitors prompt police warnings in Carmel, Clarkstown May 26, 2010 Magazine solicitors prompt police warnings in Carmel, Clarkstown BY TERENCE CORCORAN • TCORCORA@LOHUD.COM • MAY 26, 2010 The Journal News And LoHud.Com In Carmel, police have arrested several solicitors going door to door without a peddling permit. "These workers are all transients. The magazine company promises them big money to sell magazines, but I'm not sure the companies are doing background checks on these individuals," said police Chief Michael Johnson. "We have problems like this every spring." Carmel police charged Montorio Calhoun, 30, of Durham, N.C., man with peddling without a license, a violation, Friday on Stone Pond Terrace. He was released on $100 bail and, on Monday, was arrested on Fairview Road and charged again with peddling without a permit. Town Justice Joseph Spofford sent Calhoun to the county jail in lieu of $250 bail. Noel Johnson, 22, of New Haven, Conn., was charged Monday on Vista Terrace after he was earlier warned by an off-duty officer that he needed a permit. Spofford also sent him to jail on $250 bail. Others charged with peddling without a permit include a 27-year-old Philadelphia man arrested twice Monday, on Kelly Ridge Road and Tamarin Drive; an 18-year-old Cleveland man arrested Tuesday on Muscoot Road North; and a 24-year-old Cleveland man and a 29-year- old Fort Lauderdale man arrested Saturday on Bauerlien Court. Clarkstown police arrested two people for selling magazines without a permit Monday. Johnson said residents should ask to see the peddling permit of any solicitor who shows up at their door and close the door and call police if there is none. A three-month permit costs $500. Despite the recent influx of solicitors, Carmel town clerk Ann Garris said she has not had many people come in for one. For the past several summers, reports of crime have followed young people brought to the Lower Hudson Valley to sell subscriptions. Carmel police last month found a solicitor with mail that was stolen from a residential mailbox, including information that could have led to identity theft. On May 12, state and North Salem police responded to a Close Hill Road home around 5:30 p.m. after a magazine solicitor from Chicago broke in and tried to steal a TV. Charged with second-degree burglary, Joshua L. Bournes remained Tuesday in the county jail and is due back in court June 7. Staff writer Jane Lerner contributed to this report. The Journal News And LoHud.Com http://www.lohud.com White Plains, New York Read This Story |
|
No knock list proposed for door to door solicitations May 26, 2010 No knock list proposed for door to door solicitations Lindsey Clark Jessica Duff KTHV Television 05/26/10 Stodola is proposing an ordinance that will require door-to-door salesmen to wear identification badges and register with the city before they can begin knocking on doors. He believes this step will prohibit unwanted sales calls and help keep neighborhoods safer. "We think maybe they're checking out the neighborhood to see who's home and who's not home, who's elderly, who's not elderly," Stodola says. After receiving a number of e-mails from concerned neighborhood organizations, Stodola decided it was time to do something. "I think there's an opportunity to do two things here. Number one is to certainly beef up the licensure process, make sure people are legitimate in what they're doing, make sure they're licensed. Secondly, I think it's [going to] be one of the incremental steps that keeps our neighborhoods safer," he adds. The ordinance allows citizens to be placed on a "No Knock" list which will be given to door-to-door solicitors. The concept is very similar to the government's "Do Not Call Registry." However, there are those exceptions for political canvassers, religious groups, and school fundraisers. These groups could still come knocking on your door. It will also help cut back on unwanted visits. "They call and they e-mail and suggest that there are strange people knocking on their doors. We have about 300 or more that do that. But then there are scores and scores of people that don't register," Stodola says. If you are contacted by a solicitor without proper identification, you can report them to LRPD's non-emergency line at (501-371-4829) or the Little Rock Mayor's office at (501) 371-4510. "Hopefully [this] will help in one incremental way to make our neighborhoods a little bit safer and also give us a better way of knowing who's doing these door to door sales," adds Stodola. Stodola says he is confident the ordinance will be approved by the Little Rock Board of Directors. And he hopes it will be place by the summer. KTHV Television http://www.todaysthv.com Little Rock, Arkansas Read This Story |
|
Phoenix councilman looking at regulating door-to-door salesmen May 25, 2010 Phoenix councilman looking at regulating door-to-door salesmen by Catherine Holland azfamily.com Posted on May 25, 2010 at 7:43 AM "The city of Phoenix has just been bombarded by these door-to-door peddlers," said Sal DiCiccio. "It's really become a public safety issue." DiCiccio said many times, the people who come to your door are selling products you're never going to see. He also said the purported salesman are often scoping out homes and neighborhoods as potential burglary targets. "The people who are coming to our doors right now not are not the same people of the past," DiCiccio explained. "I used to be a door-to-door sales guy, so I get it." The idea is to license door-to-door sales people. Residents would be able to call the police if somebody unlicensed tries to sell them something. "What's not being discussed is regulating the religious freedoms that we have. We have a lot of individuals who are part of churches who come to our doors. They're going to be completely protected is my understanding," he said. While there is not direct correlation between door-to-door solicitors and crime, DiCiccio said there is anecdotal evidence. "What we do know is when the individuals come into our neighborhoods, for example my neighborhood, we've had individuals knocking at our doors and then we've had burglaries occur right afterwords," he said. There is a public meeting on the issue this evening at 5:30 at Burton Barr Public Library. Several more public forums are planned. After those meetings, a final proposal will be put together. azfamily.com http://www.azfamily.com Phoenix, Arizona Read This Story |
|
Beware scammers knocking on your door May 24, 2010 Beware scammers knocking on your door By LISA BEISEL, Staff Writer Capital Gazette Communications Published 05/24/10 People often knock for legitimate reasons: they're salesmen, Census takers, neighbors. But sometimes, people pose as contractors or salesmen to take advantage of you, to get into your home or to get you to pay for work they fail to do. Last month, a man selling magazines door-to-door in Arnold was charged with raping a woman after he asked to come in and use the bathroom. Last year, someone claiming to be inspecting water pressure went through a home looking for cash, jewelry and other items. In Annapolis, con artists claiming to be inspectors came into the Hard Bean Cafe in January and made off with cash and a credit card. How do you know the difference between a fake and an inspector or an employee of a legitimate business. It's a good idea to ask who is at the door before you open it, said Ray Weaver, a city Police Department spokesman. Look out the window to see if the person has associates who are canvassing the neighborhood. Most importantly, if you feel uneasy, you don't have open the door or let the person in. "People reserve the right not to open their doors, first and foremost," said Justin Mulcahy, a county Police Department spokesman. If a person is pressuring you or acting suspiciously, call the police. "Trust your instincts - if it doesn't look, feel or seem right, call 911," Weaver said. If you do answer the knock, it's important to ask for identification. "If somebody's viable, they're not going to hesitate" at that request, Mulcahy said. Police urge homeowners to be wary of contractors going door-to-door offering services. Don't pick one just because he happens to knock on your door - a good rule of thumb is to get three estimates before committing to one. Check to see if the contractor is licensed and ask for a warranty and references, once you choose one. Any contract should list the services to be performed, the materials needed and a start and end date, police suggest. Be cautious of companies that require advance payments. When a person claims to be a utility or service worker, ask for identification and call the company and make sure it has employees in your neighborhood, Mulcahy said. If someone knocks and claims to be having an emergency situation - such as a broken-down car or an accident - offer to call 911 for them, rather than letting them into your home, Weaver suggested. It might be a good idea to bring a cordless phone or a cell phone with you when you answer the door, in case you need to call 911 or a company to check out the door-knocker's story. And, as the weather warms up, it's time to roll out the ATVs and lawn mowers. Police remind residents to make sure they secure their outdoor items, either by locking them in garages or sheds or by chaining them to a solid structure. "Do things that deter criminals," Mulcahy said. Also, while you're out doing your lawn work, make sure you lock the door behind you. "Never assume you are safe just because you are at home," Weaver said. lbeisel@capitalgazette.com
Capital Gazette Communications http://www.hometownannapolis.com Annapolis, Maryland Read This Story |
|
Thieves Posing as Door to Door Salesman May 23, 2010 Thieves Posing as Door to Door Salesman Reporter: KKCO Email Address: news@nbc11news.com Posted: 7:44 AM May 23, 2008 The Grand Junction Police Department wants you to be on the lookout for thieves posing as door-to-door salesman. The department received two reports of theft after sales people were allowed into homes to demonstrate their products on Wednesday. The victims claimed they noticed jewelry and medication missing after the salesmen asked to use the restroom. Police warn to ask for credentials if you're interested in a salesman's products. All door-to-door salespeople in Colorado are required to have a permit. Email Address: news@nbc11news.com http://www.nbc11news.com Grand Junction, Colorado Read This Story |
|
The Door To Door Subscription Scam May 21, 2010 The Door To Door Subscription Scam May 21, 2010 in Life by Kevin kevinsung.org It was 6:30p on a Friday and I heard a knock on the door. It was an African American kid about 18 or 19 in age. In his hands was a folder with some subscription forms. He started off by saying: “I’m not trying to sell you a subscription to a magazine. I am a student at San Jose State and I’m part of a program that gives me financial aid if you fill out a form and get a subscription to the San Jose Mercury News. For $40, you will be contributing to my education.” Very fishy. So I decided to probe more. Then, I experienced one of the most ridiculously smooth sales pitches. The guy pulled out every single possible sob story hoping I’d give in. He was in foster care. He can’t pay for college. He works with kids. I’m sure he had many more up his sleeve. Ultimately, he wanted my address and $40 in cash. “I don’t need your credit card,” he said. “It’s perfectly safe.” I didn’t budge. Here’s how the scam works. Basically, the kids pocket the money and then sign you up for the newspaper using the information you just provided. This creates the illusion that the sale is legit. However, the $40 upfront payment is the scam. Once the subscription starts, you’ll still need to pay the newspaper. The ‘packet’ that the kid carries is rather convincing at first glance. The scammer is hoping you don’t take a second look. That’s when the deception starts to fall apart. For example, the binder has a web address: careers.state.gov. This is designed to fool you into believing the program is legitimate because it has a website with a dot-gov address. However, if you actually check the site, it doesn’t mention any of those programs. It’s just a basic informational site listing a bunch of internship opportunities with companies. Luckily, I pulled out my smartphone and checked the site on the spot. The guy was very quiet. I think he realized he was screwed. Next, he tried to show me his ID card to prove he was legitimate. However, the card didn’t have any official logos and was pretty unprofessionally created. The font wasn’t aligned correctly and all the contact information could be scraped from the web. Nice try. He tried to give me the phone number of his supervisor. This guy tried to convince me that the door to door program was legitimate and that he was affiliated with the Mercury News. But based on my questioning, I concluded that the man was likely not affiliated but rather was a partner in crime. For example, he was unable to give me his work email address. I called the Mercury News afterwards and nobody was manning the phones. You see, by going door-to-door on a Friday afternoon, it ensured that none of the victims could call the newspaper directly for confirmation. To any would be door-to-door scammers, please be warned. Not only will I not give you money. I’ll also waste an hour of your time pretending to be interested so you don’t go off and scam some old lady. Read This Story |
|
Regulation talks set to begin on door-to-door peddlers May 21, 2010 Regulation talks set to begin on door-to-door peddlers by Cathryn Creno - May. 21, 2010 11:59 AM The Arizona Republic Call 911 on pushy solicitors, police urge Foothills residents The series begins at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in Burton Barr Central Library in downtown Phoenix and ends June 17 at 6 p.m. at Pecos Community Center in Ahwatukee Foothills. Complaints about aggressive peddlers began flooding city phone lines more than a year ago, said Phoenix City Councilman Sal DiCiccio, who proposed in 2009 that the city pass a law regulating solicitors. Earlier this year, police were telling Ahwatukee Foothills residents to shut their doors and call 911 if confronted by door-to-door solicitors who won't take no for an answer. Phoenix Police Sgt. Bryant Rockwood said the Ahwatukee substation was flooded with reports of aggressive, argumentative sale representatives who refuse to leave - even after residents say they are not interested in purchasing driveway cleaning solution. Most other large Valley cities require that for-profit door to door sales representatives obtain business licenses. The laws typically exempt people who go door to door distributing religious literature or selling fundraising items for non-profit groups. The Better Business Bureau calls seasonal door-to-door peddlers a national problem and routinely warns consumers that they may never receive magazines or other products that they buy from people who knock on their doors. Many such peddlers are teenagers or young adults who are taken in vans from state to state, according to www.travelingsalescrews.info. Council members appointed residents Greg Brownell, Ellen Bilbrey, Sissie Shank, Tom Whalen, Rick Nowell, Stephanie Scovell, Hank Leyva and Jackie Rich to serve on a committee that will help draft Phoenix's ordinance this summer. Although Phoenix police say it often is difficult to connect peddlers to burglaries and other crimes that take place when they are in an area, committee member Rich is among those who believe neighborhoods would be safer if peddlers were licensed. "I am the Block Watch coordinator for my neighborhood," the north Phoenix resident said in an interview before the committee met on May 5. "I have read numerous e-mails from neighbors who believe that persons posing as solicitors are casing homes for burglaries. In at least two cases, these suspicions were accurate, as the person who knocked at the door next appeared in the backyard and tried to enter their home." The Arizona Republic http://www.azcentral.com Phoenix, Arizona Read This Story |
|
Man accused of illegal soliciting May 21, 2010 Man accused of illegal soliciting Burlington County Times PhillyBurbs.com May 21, 2010 01:30 AM May 21, 2010 01:30 AM PhillyBurbs.com http://www.phillyburbs.com Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Read This Story |
|
Pushy door-to-door sales continue illegally in Clackamas Co. DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Sales Crew: T&B Sales, Inc. Clearinghouse: Austin Diversified Products end DMPG Info May 21, 2010 Pushy door-to-door sales continue illegally in Clackamas Co. by Scott Burton Posted on May 21, 2010 at 9:04 AM Updated yesterday at 9:43 AM KGW.com Newschannel 8 The Clackamas County sheriff's office received two complaints Wednesday, the same day there a burglary was reported in their neighborhood. A Happy Valley couple who asked for anonymity said they recognized the sales pitch and product from prior KGW reports about pushy T&B sales reps using abusive language from Vancouver to Aloha to Sweet Home. "It definitely clicked and I thought, oh I saw a story about this," the woman said. "Again yelling and saying some inappropriate stuff." "Don't even engage them in conversation," said Gil Millett of the Clackamas County sheriff's community policing office. "Just explain to them that you're not interested and close the door." Millett noted the burglary had taken place in the same neighborhood as the sales people. T&B sales has a troubled history in Oregon. In 2008, the attorney general's office issued a consumer alert after sales reps were charge with fraud, theft and illegal drug activity. Company president Timothy Burgess said the abusive language certainly is not a part of their training process. But he offered no recourse for people subjected to such behavior. He did offer an apology. The AG has this web page for fraud complaints. You can also call (877)-877-9392 toll free or email consumer.hotline@doj.state.or.us. KGW.com Newschannel 8 http://www.kgw.com Portland, Oregon Read This Story |
|
Magazine Salesman May 21, 2010 POLICE LINE BLOG May 21, 2010 Magazine Salesman By Rob Mills on 12:05 The Sun thesunblog.com If anyone shows up at your door selling magazines, go ahead and ask if they have a permit. If they don't, feel free to call police. There are local laws in most towns, and definitely in Lowell, requiring all door to door salesman to undergo a background check and get a permit. Chelmsford Police Chief James Murphy told me tonight that his officers are already aware these guys are in the area, and he knows that Westford Police have also gotten reports about them. If you're not sure what to do about someone who comes to your door selling magazines, don't trust the local crime blogger, trust a guy who has been doing police work in this area for a couple of decades now. "Bottom line is, if you want to buy a magazine, go to the store & buy it. The stories of trying to earn credit for school or other reasons is usually bogus," Chief Murphy told me via email tonight. "I'd advise anyone who is approached by an apparent unregistered solicitor, to notify the police dept." By Rob Mills on 12:05 By Rob Mills on 12:05 The Sun http://www.thesunblog.com Lowell, Massachusetts Read This Story |
|
Subscription For Abuse: Recruiting In Tulsa May 21, 2010 Reported by: Emily Sinovic Email: esinovic@fox23.com FOX23 Last Update: 9:04 am 05/21/10 A mother tells FOX23 her own daughter was lured into the underground world of "youth crew" magazine sales. She tells FOX23 she began demanding her daughter come home immediately after hearing her cry on the phone, explaining the horrible working conditions. The Department of Labor calls them “youth crews”. They are made up of young men and women, and sometimes kids as young as 8 and ten years old. They are recruited and promised money, travel, and great work experience, only to find themselves feeling trapped in an abusive work environment, sometimes deserted by their crew, hundreds of miles away from home. Oklahoma's Department of Labor Commissioner Lloyd Fields says, "We have kids that have been left, just dropped off because they didn't sell enough product, because they maybe didn't want what they wanted them to do. There's been some sexual predators in the mix. It's pretty serious out there.” A father from Wisconsin started up a watchdog website after he says his daughter Melinda was lured into the same type of business by a tempting classified ad. Ellenbecker says, "The ad will read 'travel the USA make $500/wk room and board, blue jean job'. It sounds too good to be true and of course it is." Before he had time to stop her, she joined the group and two days later Melinda was killed while others were injured in a traffic accident while traveling with a crew to another city. Ellenbecker says. "In our accident there were 4 under aged kids. One girl, Monica, was 15 years old. They hired her to go selling door to door. She is a quadriplegic. She can’t move from her neck down." Ellenbecker says his daughter and the others in that accident are just a few of the many victims. "We’ve had multiple cases of heroine overdoses, multiple cases of van wrecks where kids are killed. We have a total documented log of 86 deaths, majority of them have been within the past 15 or 20 years." He’s now made it his mission to prevent others from suffering his loss. Just this spring, legislation went into effect in Wisconsin that Ellenbecker was instrumental in passing. It prevents these door to door magazine sales companies from operating there. To learn more about Ellenbecker's watchdog group and website, just click on the link to the right of this page. Related Links Traveling Sales Crews Watchdog Group Email: esinovic@fox23.com FOX23 http://www.fox23.com Tulsa, Oklahoma Read This Story |
|
County: You can get rid of peddlers with a No Soliciting sign May 20, 2010 County: You can get rid of peddlers with a No Soliciting sign newsatnorman.com May 20, 2010, 8:52 AM  Complaints have piled in to the Sheriff’s Office and to the county manager from residents who thought the county’s anti-peddling ordinance prohibited door-to-door sales. ?It did, but when the company raised the possibility of suing the county based upon recent court rulings, the county backed down and permitted the company to sell door-to-door. It was the first time since the ordinance was passed about six years ago that door-to-door salesmen were allowed to work in Lincoln County. In the meantime, county manager George Wood and county attorney Jeff Taylor began searching for a legal way for residents to ban the sometimes annoying sales people. Taylor said the company raised constitutional free speech issues, and based upon some recent court rulings it was clear the county’s ordinance was too broad and unenforceable. “The Supreme Court says that citizens are entitled to be solicited if they want to be,” Taylor told county commissioners Monday night. But he told commissioners there is a simple way for residents to stop the door-to-door peddlers. The county could amend its ordinance to state that if residents post a No Soliciting sign, the peddlers would be in violation of the ordinance if they knock on your door. Without the sign, residents will be “fair game,” he said. Taylor presented the amended ordinance proposal to commissioners Monday night, and said it would also allow entire subdivisions to post a single sign letting the sales people know they are not welcome. That raised the concern of commissioner Carrol Mitchem who wondered how that might impact a resident who may actually want to be solicited. ?That would be an issue for the homeowners association or subdivision to resolve, said Taylor, noting that most are organized with a “majority rules” provision in their rules. Commissioners unanimously approved the amendment to the ordinance, and it is effective immediately, meaning if you have a No Soliciting sign posted on your property today, the sales people are not legally permitted to knock on your door. Additionally, Taylor said the public needs to understand that sales people are not entitled to trespass even if you don’t have a sign on your property. If they are told to leave and refuse, they could be charged with trespassing, he said. The ordinance still allows non-profit groups such as Girl Scouts, to sell door-to-door. Here is the complete text of the amendment to the ordinance: “Except as otherwise provided herein, no person shall enter or remain in or upon any private residence or premises within the County, having not been requested or invited by the occupant or occupants thereof, for the purpose of soliciting the immediate or future purchase or sale of goods, merchandise, services, or any other thing of value when a “No Solicitation,” “No Trespassing,” or similar sign is posted at or near the entrance to such premises. For purposes of this section, premises” shall include any subdivision, mobile home park, or other multi-family development. Adopted this 3rd day of May, 2010.” In other matters, commissioners: * Approved a recommendation from the county manager to self-insure for workmen’s compensation, saving the county more than $200,000 a year. * Conducted a public hearing for a rezoning proposal to permit a mobile home on Finley Lane, north of Mount Zion Church Road. No one objected, and the planning board recommended commissioners approve the rezoning at their next meeting. * Heard the annual report of the Mountain Island Marine Commission; and * Went into closed session to discuss personnel issues involving a budgetary revenue shortfall issue in one department. http://newsatnorman.com Denver, North Carolina Read This Story |
|
Scam Alert: Aggressive Salesman Go Door-To-Door DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Sales Company: Austin Diversified Products end DMPG Info May 20, 2010 Scam Alert: Aggressive Salesman Go Door-To-Door Jonah Kaplan, Newschannel 6 Posted: May 20, 2010 6:43 PM CDT Updated: May 20, 2010 6:43 PM CDT Wichita Falls residents have reported complaints of aggressive salesman from a company called Austin Diversified Products. And the Better Business Bureau gives them a rating of D-minus. The family said a salesman offered some magical cleaning products - and when they refused, he cursed them! It's an example of a dangerous trend that has the BBB on the offensive - and residents fearful of answering the door. "Guy comes to the door about 6-7 yesterday in the evening and what set me off was that he knew our name before we even introduced ourselves." I was sure to properly introduce myself before meeting Jane and Lloyd Reeves - who say they were quite shaken up by a rude knock on their door: a man offering cleaning products that will magically erase stains on brick, cement, and other permanent surfaces - and demanding money right there. "He came directly right up, an inch or two from the door just on the other side of the facing," says Jane. "And he's talking to us and I told him, we'd like to check it out. Then he started cussing my husband out." The Better Business Bureau gives Austin Products a D-minus rating, and says their salesman are notorious for crossing the line, even if their product promises to erase it. "We already had 15 serious complaints documented," says Monica Horton, president of the BBB North Texas. "There's very aggressive and harassing behavior from these salesmen. They do not have permits in Wichita Falls and we've confirmed they don't have them in Burkburnett also." Permit or no permit, the experience has taught the Reeves to take an extra glance through the window before they open the door. "Open it slowly. First we look, then we open it slowly - like you for example." Jane and Lloyd did call police and the salesman was ticketed for canvassing without a permit. The BBB strongly encourages residents to always ask for proper accreditation and permits before agreeing to even hear the sales pitch, and never agree to pay up front on site. Jonah Kaplan, Newschannel 6 http://www.newschannel6now.com Wichita Falls, Texas Read This Story |
|
Aggressive door-to-door salespeople hit Longview DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Sales Crew: T&B Sales, Inc. Clearinghouse: Austin Diversified Products end DMPG Info May 20, 2010 Aggressive door-to-door salespeople hit Longview By Leslie Slape / The Daily News | Posted: Thursday, May 20, 2010 7:00 pm No laws have been broken, but citizens say they're concerned because the salespeople don't take no for an answer. One Longview woman told police that a salesman greeted her with "Hey beautiful" when she answered the door Wednesday, then tried to walk right in. She slammed the door. The man left in a white van before police arrived, but patrol officers have spoken with some of the other salespeople. Details were unavailable. "Their sales approach is extremely aggressive," said Barry J. Morrill of Longview, who said they've come to his home three times, including twice this week. "They appear to have been coached." Diane Benefiel of Longview said a young woman came to her door Tuesday and again on Wednesday. "The second day she wore a blue wig, but I still recognized her," Benefiel said. "I said, ‘You're the one who was here yesterday' and she said, ‘No, I'm not, I'm prettier than her.' " They were hawking some type of cleaning product, according to Morrill and Benefiel, who didn't buy anything. "Oh, heavens no," Benefiel said. "It's probably vinegar and water." According to the T & B Web site, the "Advanage [sic] Wonder Cleaner" is a "nontoxic, biodegradeable, all-purpose concentrated cleaner" made with unspecified ingredients. The Better Business Bureau has given an "F" rating to the Georgia-based company due to the high number of complaints about sales practices, billing, customer service, products and refunds. Most of the complaints have been resolved, according to the bureau's website. The company, which is owned and operated by Timothy Burgess, sells general merchandise and magazines and recruits young adults from around the country as traveling salespeople who work on commission. "Give us an opportunity to teach you how to become that all-American, great-looking, great-talking, great-walking salesperson," reads the pitch on the Web site. Earlier this month the Milwaukie, Ore., Police Department took a flood of reports about aggressive sales tactics after a team of 30 T&B salespeople arrived in town. The Daily News made several attempts to call Burgess on Thursday but received a busy signal each time. Posted in Local, Crime-and-courts on Thursday, May 20, 2010 7:00 pm Updated: 7:23 am. The Daily News Online http://tdn.com Longview, Washington Read This Story |
|
Solicitors bring scams to students’ doorsteps May 20, 2010 Solicitors bring scams to students’ doorsteps Posted on 20 May 2010. By Caitlin Bowling The Post, Ohio U. via UWIRE “I was about to close the door on them, but one guy asked, ‘Can I use your bathroom?’” David Gold said. The men said they were selling magazine subscriptions to try earning points to win a trip. The two men also told Gold he could cancel the check and they still would receive points for the sale. “They got me. I wrote out a check – $120,” he said, adding his roommate also wrote out a $120 check. Gold immediately called his girlfriend, Laura Miceli, who had been scammed the summer before. Miceli was home alone when a supposed magazine seller knocked on her door. Although she turned the man down at first, Miceli decided to purchase one magazine subscription after he explained she could cancel the check and he would still receive points in the magazine-selling competition. “He was very nice,” Miceli said. “I thought he was legit because of the brochures and everything. He wrote me a receipt.” Miceli bought one, two-year subscription for $80. Later, she found her check had been cashed. Miceli said she never received any magazines. Because of Miceli’s warning, Gold was able to track down the men quickly and demand his and his roommate’s checks. “I called them out. I said, ‘You guys are scamming me,’” Gold said. “My roommate went upstairs on his laptop, looked it up and it just said, ‘Scam, scam, scam, scam, scam.’” The men initially told Gold they could not return the checks and told him there was no one he could call. “As soon as I tried to get my money, they got really upset with me,” Gold said. During the exchange, the men told Gold they had visited 16 houses that day. The men had stacks of checks and cash, Gold said. People are easily scammed because they generally want to do good for other people, Gold and Miceli said. Following the incident, Gold called the Athens Police Department, and the officer he spoke with informed him they knew about the scam. However, Lt. Dave Williams said he had not heard about it. “We have solicitors like that, that pass through now and then,” Williams said. “I don’t know how many are actually legit and how many are scams.” All solicitors are required to register with city code enforcement and must have a peddler’s permit to sell door-to-door. People can call code enforcement to check the legitimacy of a solicitor, Theresa Gerren, an administrative assistant for the Athens Code Enforcement Office, said. Police suggested people call the company the solicitor works for before buying anything and ask that they report any potential scams. “We’ll take a report, and we will usually try to get ahold of the people if they are still in town,” Williams said. “It is difficult usually to find the people because they move on so quickly.” Read more here: http://thepost.ohiou.edu/Main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=31835 The Post, Ohio U. via UWIRE http://uwire.com Athens, Ohio Read This Story |
|
Shreveport Police arrest six suspects for soliciting without permit May 19, 2010 Shreveport Police arrest six suspects for soliciting without permit The Daily You by Daily You Newswire Wednesday, May 19, 2010 The Shreveport Police Department has arrested six suspects after receiving complaints about door to door solicitors. At approximately 3:15 p.m. yesterday afternoon, the police department started receiving suspicious activity calls regarding door to door solicitors in southeast Shreveport. Officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Hanging Moss Trail in Ellerbe Estates and 10000 block of Keysburg Court in Norris Ferry Landing relative to subjects trying to sell magazine subscriptions. According to witness accounts, the solicitors were telling homeowners they were selling magazine subscriptions to receive points to help them get into college. Upon arrival, officers located the peddlers and discovered they did not have any permits to conduct business. Officers arrested the following suspects for one count each of solicitation without a permit : Eric Baughn, 20 years old of Lancaster, Texas; Kenneth Paige, 34 years old, of Memphis, Tennessee; Carlton Lemond, 20 years old, of Collierville, Tennessee; Shalanda Cole, 38 years old, of Lake Charles, Louisiana; Tiffany Douglass, 26 years old, of Collierville, Tennessee; Alphonse Boure, 35 years old, of St. Louis, Missouri. During the summer months, the police department historically sees an increase in citizen complaints regarding people going door to door selling one thing or another or asking for work. Residents should always be wary of such solicitation attempts and remember not to open their doors to any stranger. If someone knocks on your door trying to sell you something or offering to provide some service for you, you should immediately call your police department and request an officer out to investigate. Many times these visits from strangers are simply ruses to facilitate criminal activity. Always err on the side of caution and never open your home to someone you do not know. The non-emergency number for the Shreveport Police Department is (318) 673-BLUE (2583). Of course, if you need to report an emergency, please call 911. Working together, we can continue to reduce crime in our neighborhoods and make Shreveport a safer place to live, work, and play. The Shreveport Police Department would like to once again remind our neighbors to never open your homes to someone you don’t know. Source: Shreveport Police Department by Daily You Newswire http://www.shreveport.thedailyyou.com Dallas, Texas Read This Story |
|
6 arrested for door-to-door selling May 19, 2010 6 arrested for door-to-door selling KSLA TV Posted: May 19, 2010 10:17 PM CDT Updated: May 19, 2010 10:19 PM CDT  The non-emergency number for the Shreveport Police Department is (318)673-BLUE (2583). http://www.ksla.com Shreveport, Louisiana Read This Story |
|
Pair tied to alleged sales scam pull court no-show DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Strickly Business Urban Development Urban 1. Magazine Sales Clearinghouse: Midwest Clearing Inc. end DMPG Info May 19, 2010 Pair tied to alleged sales scam pull court no-show By Steven Fletcher Staff Writer loucesterTimes.com May 19, 2010 And authorities say they're not surprised at the actions of Roshawn Wallace and Rickey Bryant, whose magazine sales tactics, along with those of others police believe are working in tandem, are under investigation for potential fraud. Manchester police Sgt. Timothy Egan said Wednesday that failing to answer to charges fits the profile of those working in what police believe is an organized ring. "They give fake names to begin with and don't want the court probing further," Egan said. The Manchester Police Department issued a warrant for the men's arrest, though Egan believes the pair skipped town and may resume working in other communities under different names. Wallace and Bryant — who told police they were from Chicago and Waco, Texas, respectively — were arrested for trespassing on private property in the Bridge Street area on Monday at 6:53 p.m. The arrests came after police had told them to leave the premises three hours earlier. The pair were peddling magazines in the area and did not possess Manchester soliciting permits. The town requires potential salesmen to check in with the Police Department and provide identification. The pair are the focus of the latest in a series of complaints concerning magazine salesmen in Essex County. These salesmen, according to Manchester police, have often saturated the area each summer for the last five years. And police in Beverly have warned that their sales pitch is a scam, with buyers putting money toward magazine subscriptions up front, and then never getting the magazines. The solicitors told police they were part of a company from the Chicago area called Urban Development. According to Egan, that name is one of many for a midwest company that uses young people culled from shelters in Ohio and Illinois. Steven Fletcher may be contacted at 978-283-7000 x3447 or gt_reporter@gloucestertimes.com. Staff Writer loucesterTimes.com http://www.gloucestertimes.com Gloucester, Massachusetts Read This Story |
|
Police charge men in magazine scam DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Strickly Business Urban Development Urban 1. Magazine Sales Clearinghouse: Midwest Clearing Inc. end DMPG Info May 19, 2010 Police charge men in magazine scam By Steven Fletcher Staff Writer The Salem News May 19, 2010 Their arrests are just the latest in a series of area incidents tied to a group of related door-to-door sales efforts — and Beverly police say they believe the operation is a scam. In Manchester, town police Officer Christopher Locke arrested Roshawn Wallace, 19, of Chicago and Rickey Bryant, 34, of Waco, Texas, for trespassing on private property at 6:53 p.m. The two told police they worked with Urban Development, a Chicago-based company, but showed no permits for door-to-door solicitation. They appeared for arraignment yesterday in Salem District Court. Other local communities dealt with magazine salesmen in the past weeks. On Wednesday, May 5, Essex police responded to a resident concerned about door-to-door solicitors there, and Beverly police arrested two salesmen — Leonardi Ekani-Minfumou, 24, and Shawn Jackson, 29, both from Georgia — for selling without Beverly solicitation permits. According to representatives from the three police departments, the salesmen work as part of a ring of door-to-door salesmen that go by the names Midwest Clearing Inc., "Strictly" Business, Urban 1 or Urban Development — all companies that the Manchester police referred to as "shadow companies" for the same organization. "These solicitors are all from the same company," Beverly police Officer April Clarizia said. "They usually wear a shirt and tie, and say they're trained in community relations and good service." Staff Writer The Salem News http://www.salemnews.com Beverly, Massachusetts Read This Story |
|
Subscription For Abuse May 18, 2010 Subscription For Abuse Reported by: Emily Sinovic Email: esinovic@fox23.com Last Update: 5/18 10:11 pm Fox23 Oklahoma's Department of Labor Commissioner Lloyd Fields says, "We have kids that have been left, just dropped off because they didn't sell enough product, because they maybe didn't want what they wanted them to do. There's been some sexual predators in the mix. It's pretty serious out there.” A father from Wisconsin started up a watchdog website after he says his daughter Melinda was lured into the same type of business by a tempting classified ad. Ellenbecker says, "The ad will read 'travel the USA make $500/wk room and board, blue jean job'. It sounds too good to be true and of course it is." Before he had time to stop her, she joined the group and two days later Melinda was killed while others were injured in a traffic accident while traveling with a crew to another city. Ellenbecker says. "In our accident there were 4 under aged kids. One girl, Monica, was 15 years old. They hired her to go selling door to door. She is a quadriplegic. She can’t move from her neck down." Ellenbecker says his daughter and the others in that accident are just a few of the many victims. "We’ve had multiple cases of heroine overdoses, multiple cases of van wrecks where kids are killed. We have a total documented log of 86 deaths, majority of them have been within the past 15 or 20 years." He’s now made it his mission to prevent others from suffering his loss. Just this spring, legislation went into effect in Wisconsin that Ellenbecker was instrumental in passing. It prevents these door to door magazine sales companies from operating there. To learn more about Ellenbecker's watchdog group and website, just click on the link to the right of this page. Related Links Traveling Sales Crews Watchdog Group Email: esinovic@fox23.com Fox23 http://www.fox23.com Tulsa, Oklahoma Read This Story |
|
Chicago man charged in Croton Falls break-in May 15, 2010 Chicago man charged in Croton Falls break-in May 15, 2010 The Journal News and LoHud.com http://www.lohud.com White Plains, New York Read This Story |
|
Unlicensed salespeople arrested in Salem Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Company: Urban Development Solutions May 14, 2010 Unlicensed salespeople arrested in Salem By Jarret Bencks jbencks@eagletribune.com Eagle-Tribune EagleTribune.com May 14, 2010 Four men were arrested Wednesday on various charges after police received multiple calls from residents who said aggressive door-to-door magazine salesmen came to their homes. Eleven were picked up by police yesterday for the same reason. They were questioned and released. None of the men have hawking permits, and many face outstanding warrants in other states, police said. They can often be very aggressive, police Capt. Shawn Patten said. "A lot of them don't take no for an answer or become difficult when people say no," Patten said. Residents who are approached by door-to-door magazine sellers are asked to call police. Gregory Edmonson, 32, who police said is homeless, was arrested Wednesday and charged with selling without a hawkers/peddlers license, giving false reports to law enforcement, and being a fugitive from justice in Minnesota. He is being held without bail pending his arraignment in Salem District Court. Kyle Larkins, 26, of Queens, N.Y., was charged with selling without a hawkers/peddlers license and held on $200 cash bail. Eric Hopkins, 25, of Jackson, Mich., and Fabian Griggs, 19, of Coon Rapids, Minn., were both charged with selling without a hawkers/peddlers license and released on $500 personal recognizance bail pending their arraignment. Hopkins was one of the 11 picked up yesterday for allegedly selling magazines in the area. Hopkins told police he did not realize he was in Salem. The men confronted by police yesterday told officers they understood they would face charges if picked up again, police said. The men are from an organization called Urban Development Solutions, which also sent door-to-door salepeople to the area last spring. Nine were arrested in Salem in May 2009, and four were arrested in Andover days later. Anyone approached by a door-to-door magazine salesman is asked to call Salem police at 893-1911. jbencks@eagletribune.com Eagle-Tribune http://www.eagletribune.com North Andover, Massachusetts Read This Story |
|
Fraud alert over door-to-door sales team in Milwaukie DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Sales Company: T & B Sales Cleaner Clearinghouse: Austin Diversified Products end DMPG Info May 14, 2010 Fraud alert over door-to-door sales team in Milwaukie by Scott Burton / KGW NWCN.com Posted on May 14, 2010 at 8:19 AM A team of approximately thirty "T & B Sales" representatives arrived in the state early this month after driving from Bakersfield, California. Shortly after their arrival, property owners in Lake Oswego, Troutdale, and Milwaukie called police to report cases of aggressive sales tactics. "Aggressive solicitation from some of the sales people who are coming around, also concerns that they are asking to come inside people's residences and that's making some of the citizens feel very uncomfortable," explained Ulli Neitch of the Milwaukie Police Department. The salesmen were selling an all-purpose cleaner called "Advanage", but a quick on-line search found concerns nation-wide about the product's validity. Jackie Calder was approached Wednesday in North Portland and quickly checked the company's record. She found warnings of bait and switch, incidents of cleaning products used for demonstration purposes and colored water sold to customers. Calder demanded to receive the demonstration bottle and was denied. "I said I want that bottle. Oh no. Oh no," explained Calder. Calder called Newschannel 8 before the salesperson could leave her home. T & B saleswoman Andrea defended the product as one of the best in the country. "T & B Sales is not a company that does that [bait & switch] because all Advanage bottles have tamper proof seals on them," said Andrea. Jay Lewis, another salesman, was found just a few blocks from Calder's home. He explained how he introduced himself to customers. "Hello sir, my name is Jay Lewis. I'm from Fresno, California and I'm out here talking to your wonderful neighbors about our wonderful cleaning product called Advantage. Have you heard, read or seen it before?" Lewis says he's been trained to be respectful and positive. His manager said those who were aggressive in Milwaukie have been let go. The Better Business Bureau gives T & B Sales an "F" rating. In 2008, the Oregon Attorney General issued a fraud alert after T & B Sales representatives working in Yamhill and Marion counties were arrested for fraud, theft and drug dealing. NWCN.com http://www.nwcn.com Portland, Oregon Read This Story |
|
Peddlers prompt complaints in Sweet Home DMPG Info: Door-to-Door Sales Company: T & B Sales Cleaner Clearinghouse: Austin Diversified Products end DMPG Info May 14, 2010 Peddlers prompt complaints in Sweet Home By AnneMarie Knepper, Albany Democrat-Herald | Posted: Friday, May 14, 2010 3:30 pm democratherald.com Mayor Craig Fentiman said the topic came up at the Public Safety Committee meeting Tuesday following the city council session. A citizen as well as City Manager Craig Martin brought it up. “We are having the city attorney take a look at other cities and counties,” Martin said. “Some charge a fee, some don’t, some are very thorough,” Fentiman said. “The main thing is we are looking at protecting the public because that is where the complaints come from.” Tuesday afternoon, a resident told police a salesman in the 500 block of Sixth Avenue “became confrontational when told to leave and wanted to fight” him. An officer talked to the salesman, who said he didn’t have his permit on him. Germaine Henry, 20, was told to stop selling until he had it in his possession. The same afternoon, police say, an officer was flagged down in the 4900 block of Mimosa Circle by a man saying two cleaning-product salesmen were “extremely pushy and rude” when told no. The officer located Alvin Thompson, 35, of North Carolina, and Devon Davy, 31, of Florida, and seized Thompson’s permit due to incorrect information on the application. The pair were advised of the complaint. Neither was cited. After a complaint, police caught up with yet another salesman just before 8 p.m. Tuesday in the 1400 block of Westwood Lane. Toriano Lavelle Beasley, 18, of St. Louis, was cited by Sweet Home police for trespassing, not having a peddler’s license and having less than an ounce of marijuana on him. Police believe all the salesmen were affiliated with T and B Sales of Riverdale, Ga., the maker of a cleaning product called Advanage. Pat Hines, an administrative assistant for T and B, said Thursday the company was aware of the Beasley incident and he had been immediately fired. The Better Business Bureau has given T and B Sales a rating of “F.” Reasons include 30 complaints filed against the business in the past 36 months. Hines said the BBB had categorized T and B as a business of 10 employees when there are closer to 80. The BBB website lists the company as responding to and resolving the majority of the complaints. Posted in Local on Friday, May 14, 2010 3:30 pm | Tags: Peddlers, Sweet Home, Public Safety Committee http://www.democratherald.com Albany, Oregon Read This Story |
|
Hall County may ban sex offenders from door-to-door sales May 13, 2010 Hall County may ban sex offenders from door-to-door sales By Melissa Weinman mweinman@gainesvilletimes.com POSTED May 13, 2010 10:23 p.m. The Gainesville Times "I think it's a public safety problem," Commissioner Ashley Bell said. "I have small children and I just can't imagine us allowing someone convicted of child molestation to be out in the summertime knocking on doors." The commission agreed at Thursday's board meeting to discuss a draft ordinance at its next work session. Bell recommended the ordinance banning outdoor solicitation for anyone convicted of a crime of moral turpitude as well as punishment for someone caught doing so. "Currently the law allows if you are convicted of a crime of moral turpitude, a 10-year ban from that point to get a solicitation license," Bell said. "I think it's prudent that we just take that 10-year period off and just ban that all together." Bell also recommended a $1,000 fine and 30 days in jail for anyone who is caught in violation. The move came after the commission voted to revoke the business licence of Larry Dalton, a registered sex offender who has gone door to door to promote his painting business. Business License Director Susan Rector she received a number of complaints about Dalton. She also said told him he was not allowed to solicit door to door. "He's also been instructed by his probation officer and the sheriff's department," Rector said. Dalton said he needs to hand out business cards to promote his company. "I'm terrified of losing my license," Dalton said. "I can't even work in a chicken plant in Gainesville because I'm a sex offender and it's too close to any church. There's nowhere I could work in Gainesville so I work for myself. "I can't change my past. But I'm a success in my business." Commissioner Steve Gailey recommended revoking Dalton's license. "I think you had very adequate warning," Gailey said. "You can reapply next year if there's not been any problems. When you're getting complaints and getting calls from people, there's no other recourse. ... I'm sorry that this has got to happen this way." mweinman@gainesvilletimes.com http://www.gainesvilletimes.com The Gainesville Times Gainesville, Georgia Read This Story |
|
Door-to-door salesman charged with sexual assault May 11, 2010 Created: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 12:08 a.m. CDT Updated: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 9:47 a.m. Door-to-door salesman charged with sexual assault By DANA HERRA dherra@daily-chronicle.com DAILY CHRONICLE  Patrick M. Schneider Patrick M. Schneider, 21, of the 500 block of Northland Drive in Cameron, Mo., was one of about 10 people who were spread out across the county over the weekend selling magazine subscriptions door-to-door, DeKalb County Sheriff Roger Scott said. Schneider was alone when he knocked on the door of a home in the 900 block of East State Street in Sycamore about 2 p.m. Saturday, Scott said. Schneider forced his way in and sexually assaulted the female resident, who called police after he left. Police found Schneider near Kirkland and placed him under arrest, Scott said. The group did not appear to have solicitor’s permits from local municipalities to be making door-to-door sales, Scott said. “They were warned to stay out of DeKalb County unless they get the proper permits,” he said. Schneider was charged with criminal sexual assault, a Class 1 felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. It is a non-probational offense, so if convicted, he will have to serve at least four years in prison. In requesting the $300,000 bond, DeKalb County Assistant State’s Attorney Victor Escarcida noted that while Schneider’s criminal history consists of only a few minor offenses, he has history and ties to multiple states, making him a flight risk. Circuit Judge Robbin Stuckert then set the bond at that amount. Schneider will need to post $30,000 to be released from the DeKalb County Jail. He was appointed a public defender on Monday and is due back in court May 26. DAILY CHRONICLE http://www.daily-chronicle.com DeKalb, Illinois Read This Story |
|
What you don't know about door to door magazine sales May 10, 2010 What you don't know about door to door magazine sales Posted by Bay Staley on May 10, 2010 at 02:13 AM Philadelphia Moms Blog I instantly had that sinking "why did I answer the door?!" feeling--I had just put the little one to bed and my dog was barking and ready to tear down the door to inspect the stranger. I also didn't feel like having to either shell out money for something I didn't want or need, or reject some well-meaning kid who was just trying to make an honest buck. Instead I found something much more bizarre and ultimately scary. At first glance the guy at my door looked like a kid, with a white jersey tank and shorts as if he were a high school athlete, but his "uniform" was generic USA and not any local team. And though he was dressed like a teenager (replete with stretchy bracelets), he looked almost as old as me. He launched into his magazine spiel, quickly flashing a laminated card of magazines and telling me the money was for "a school trip to Italy...to see my family." Those were my first clues that this was a scam, but there was such an air of desperation about the guy, that I truly felt sorry. Somewhere in his speech he mentioned that he was from Colorado, which seemed very random at the time. When I asked how much the magazines were, he started to get out a little book and tabulate what one subscription would cost. I was thinking if it was $10 or something, sure. His response? Over $60. I started to apologize, I just can't pay that, etc. when he began to really plead with me. "But this is how I make my living," he said finally. My heart sank as I said my last sorry and closed the door. I couldn't help but feel sad for this young(ish) guy even though he was a scammer. Later on, as I sat down to Google, I typed in "door to door magazine scam" and found more information than I ever wanted to know. Apparently there are multiple door to door magazine sales programs out there that prey on young people, drifters, and anyone else who'd like to travel and make some quick cash. The traveling is how these individuals get sucked in, many want to escape their current lives or may even be on the run (scary thought) and so they pack in a van and take off for very far away. Suddenly, my salesman's Colorado mention made sense. He was definitely in one of these very same programs I was reading about, and the reason for his desperation became obvious. The sales programs exploit their salespeople and pretty much keep them in servitude. Being far from home is just one way to keep them working; how else would they get back? There's tons of investigative articles out there about this industry, but here is one if you are interested. It's so troubling to think of the desperate people being taken advantage of in these situations. The sales crew are kept like modern-day sharecroppers, indebted to the company they work for from day one, working to pay off their travel debts before seeing any real money. Then innocent people open their doors and either get taken in the name of charity, or in some terrible cases, become the victims of violent crimes. I hope that this opens your eyes to an unfortunate industry that is taking place right in our own neighborhoods. If you see a traveling magazine crew in your neighborhood, according to my research, your best option is to not answer your door and call the police. Be sure to alert your community as well, especially any elderly neighbors. In the chance that you come into contact with someone who is caught in this system, there are resources that are available such as Parent Watch Inc. This is an original Philly Moms Blog post. Bay usually follows her mom's advice and doesn't open the door to anyone. While sequestered in her house, she writes at her personal site Queen Mother Blog. Photo credit: bravenewtraveler Philadelphia Moms Blog http://www.phillymomsblog.com Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Read This Story |
|
When does a dream job become a crime? May 10, 2010 Published: May 10, 2010 Updated: 6:14 p.m. When does a dream job become a crime? By YVETTE CABRERA COLUMNIST REGISTER COLUMNIST ycabrera@ocregister.com Orange County Register and OCRegister.com A classified advertisement in her local newspaper promised a job selling magazine subscriptions door-to-door. She'd get free training, a chance to meet new people and, most important, she'd get to travel throughout the United States. Meagan Dee's was working as a waitress, putting herself through college and studying cosmetology. But her passion for cosmetology had fizzled and she wanted to try something new. And she'd always dreamed of traveling. So after responding to the ad, Meagan sat through an hour-long interview. She was offered a job on the spot with a magazine crew that, she was assured, would "travel with the sun," hitting states like Texas, Arizona and California. Meagan didn't hesitate. She had her suitcase packed, and called her dad to inform him she had taken a job selling magazines on commission for a company called United Family Circulation, based out of Buford, Georgia. Her father wasn't enthusiastic, telling her "it's a bad idea." But he added that she was an adult and free to do what she wanted. So, led by a crew boss, Meagan and five other young men and women set off in a company van. The nightmare began soon after that. Meagan says she was forced to work 10- to 15-hours a day selling subscriptions to magazines such as People, OK and Woman's Day. The crew worked residential areas, malls and parking lots from Texas to California, including Garden Grove. They lived in budget motels and were given daily allowances for meals. But, Meagan says, that's where the pay stopped. Though she worked for at least five months, starting in August, Meagan says she never got a penny of the commissions she earned, which she says would have been about $1,000 a week. "I felt like it was almost like a cult," Meagan says. "Once you got in there, you couldn't get out." The crew boss, she says, told Meagan and the others they could leave at any point, and he promised each a bus ticket home. But Meagan says the reality was different. When one crew member asked for his bus ticket, it never materialized and he had to find his own way home. After months of requesting her commission (at least 15 times, she says) and being put off, Meagan decided to run away. It was February, shortly after her crew left Orange County for Oceanside. She was five months pregnant (from what she describes as a consensual relationship with the magazine crew boss), and her body could no longer handle the long days of selling magazines. And, critically, she no longer believed she would ever get paid. She made her way back to Orange County, where she's living with the help of a nonprofit that is providing shelter, job training and services to help Meagan through her pregnancy. The FBI recently interviewed Meagan and is investigating the matter. She's also been in contact with the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force. Lt. Derek Marsh of the Westminster Police Department, who co-chairs the task force, says that in addition to being a labor violation, the case will be investigated as a possible incidence of domestic human trafficking. Repeated attempts to call United Family Circulation, the company that Meagan says she worked for, were unsuccessful. United Family Circulation has an F rating (the lowest possible) from the Better Business Bureau, which says it has received 143 complaints about the company. Complaints about the company date back to at least the year 2000, when newspaper articles began reporting problems that have surfaced throughout the United States. And a 2005 Washington Post article about door-to-door scams noted that not only were magazine buyers being victimized, but so were the young people recruited to sell the subscriptions. For now, Meagan, whose baby is due May 20, says she plans to stay in Orange County because she doesn't have "a home to go home to" in Louisiana. She and her father aren't close, her parents are divorced, and she's never met her mother. She wants to rebuild her life here, and plans to go to college and become a dental assistant. She hopes that by speaking out she can prevent other young people from falling into the same trap. She finally put her nightmare behind her, she says, when she took a trip to the Huntington Beach Pier and saw the Pacific Ocean for the first time. "It was cool just to (realize), hey, this is life without selling magazines. I can actually breathe. I'm not working 24-7," Meagan says. "I just told myself that it was going to be OK. I'm not going to let this get me down... I was going to make it." Contact the writer at ycabrera@ocregister.com, or 714-796-3649, or http://twitter.com/Ycabreraocr COLUMNIST REGISTER COLUMNIST ycabrera@ocregister.com Orange County Register and OCRegister.com http://www.ocregister.com Read This Story |
|
Unwanted solicitors May 10, 2010 Nutley: Police blotter Monday, May 10, 2010 NUTLEY SUN Unwanted solicitors "We’ve gotten enough complaints to cause concern," Rogers said. The complaints began around May 3 and have come from citizens all around Nutley. The children approached by the solicitors were outside of the homes at the time, and were asked for personal information. On such incident was reported to have occurred on May 6 by police. A resident told authorities that a solicitor approached their home and interviewed a child. With this incident, police suspect the actor may have been from the census bureau but have yet to confirm it. According to Rogers the salespeople were registered with Nutley, a process of obtaining a permit through the township that ensures solicitors will receive a copy of the township Do Not Knock list, which residents can register to join. The Police Department and Chief John Holland have taken action, working with the district to organize a stranger awareness campaign for students in response. Children don’t always identify people visiting their neighborhood as strangers, Rogers explained, saying the program will focus on getting parents to reinforce the idea that kids shouldn’t speak to strangers, and to encourage reporting incidents in which strangers are asking for personal information, even something as simple as your interests or grade you attend. The township permit for door-to-door sales for certain solicitors who have received multiple complaints will not be renewed, Rogers said, adding complaints can be signed in the event the salespeople exhibit "alarming behavior," such as approaching children. Residents can sign up for the Do Not Knock list through a form available on the township website or by calling the Public Safety Department at 973-284-4929. http://www.northjersey.com Woodland Park New Jersey Read This Story |
|
2 magazine salesmen accused of burglary May 10, 2010 2 magazine salesmen accused of burglary Monday, May 10, 2010 Joe Torres News Team WABC-TV/DT Web produced by Jennifer Matarese Investigators say the pair broke into an empty house in the city's High Ridge section on Friday. The homeowner told Eyewitness News off-camera that she called police after noticing her back screen was cut and some jewelry was missing. Police caught up with the suspects only a few streets away. "And they searched him, and sure enough they had my jewelry on him," said the homeowner, who wished to stay unidentified. Stamford Police say aggressive door-to-door salesmen have become a common problem. Furthermore, neither Keller nor Waldron had the necessary permit to solicit in the city. Lastly, investigators told Eyewitness News that magazine companies often hire young men from out of town, and then drop them off in a residential neighborhood for 8-hours of aggressive door-to door sales. "People won't leave the property, they go on property labeled 'no soliciting.' They're pushy. It often becomes confrontational," explained Lt. James Matheny of the Stamford Police Department. Police say in the event a solicitor or salesperson comes to your door and is too aggressive or refuses to leave, do not elevate the situation to a confrontation. Instead, call 911 and let the authorities settle the matter. News Team WABC-TV/DT Web produced by Jennifer Matarese http://abclocal.go.com New York, New York Read This Story |
|
Door-to-door salesman charged with sexual assault May 10, 2010 Door-to-door salesman charged with sexual assault By DAILY CHRONICLE Created: Monday, May 10, 2010 10:24 a.m. CDT Updated: Monday, May 10, 2010 2:50 p.m. Patrick M. Schneider http://www.daily-chronicle.com DeKalb, Illinois Read This Story |
|
Salesman Assault May 9, 2010 Salesman Assault A door-to-door magazine salesman is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in her home. She shares her story. Reporter: Chip Brewster Email Address: Chip.Brewster@wifr.com 23 WIFR Posted: 10:23 PM May 9, 2010 Saturday afternoon Kimberly McCormick was home alone in Sycamore when 21-year old Patrick Schneider allegedly knocked on her door. Now he's behind bars and she says she's a rape victim. "This kid came to the door selling magazines and he said that he had to write something down cause he's trying to get five thousand dollar points and he seemed innocent enough so I let him in... and then he shut my door and he locked it and I didn't know he locked it... he took me and shoved me on the couch, and started pulling my pants off... I just laid there cause I didn't know what to do i was freakin'. And then... he goes 'well I got to go now' he goes 'I'm taking a cigarette if you don't mind,' and I said 'you can take whatever you want you already took something special to me.'" Schneider was found later that day selling magazines in Kirkland. He was then arrested. Neighbors say they would have never expected this from an innocent looking salesman. "Just about every summer we'll have like the college kids come in with the magazine subscriptions for a trip or whatever. Couple years i did buy them, couple years i didn't. But we've never had no problem," says neighborhood resident Kim Doty. "It's going to be an on-going for a long period of time, but she's going to have to re-hash this many times. Court, dealing with the people from the different counseling. And all I can do is just be there for her," says McCormick's fiance Kenneth Hennesy. "I'm not answering the door no more as long as Kenny's not home. I'm making him answer it," says McCormick. Right now Schneider, who is from Cameron Missouri, is in the Dekalb County jail facing criminal sexual assault charges. He'll be in court tomorrow where a judge is expected to set his native's bond. (Chip Brewster is available via email AND facebook... feel free to shoot him a message or friend him at any time) Email Address: Chip.Brewster@wifr.com 23 WIFR http://www.wifr.com Rockford, Illinois Read This Story |
|
Police blotter: Residential burglary May 8, 2010 Police blotter Published: 10:09 p.m., Saturday, May 8, 2010 STAMFORD ADVOCATE Two men selling magazine subscriptions door to door were arrested Friday on burglary charges after a woman reported jewelry missing from her Rosano Road home. Paul S. Keller, 18, of Indianapolis, and Gordon Waldron, 24, of New York, were charged with third-degree burglary and other charges after police said they discovered Keller in possession of the missing jewelry. The woman discovered the theft Friday afternoon after returning to her home in the Ridges and finding a broken window in the bathroom. Police interviewed the victim and witnesses and determined two men had been seen in the neighborhood soliciting magazine sales, according to police. A search of the area located the men on separate nearby streets. Both men identified themselves as employees of Urban Development Solutions who had been dropped off in Stamford to sell magazine subscriptions, according to a police statement. Neither had a Stamford solicitors permit, and each was detained. Keller was wearing and in possession of several articles of jewelry, which the victim later identified, police said. Waldron denied working in proximity to Keller, but witnesses identified him as being with Keller near the burglary scene. Keller was arrested and charged with third-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary, third-degree larceny and soliciting without a permit. He was held in lieu of $150,000 bond. Waldron, already a felon, was charged with third-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny and soliciting without a permit. He was held in lieu $100,000 bond. Both will be arraigned in state Superior Court in Stamford on Monday. According to a statement issued by Sgt. Andrew Gallagher, Stamford police contacted Urban Development Solutions CEO and President Maurice McClain, who indicated Keller and Waldron were subcontractors of the company. Police advised McClain that if any UDS agents participated in further solicitation without a permit, it would lead to their own and McClain's arrest. The company, based in Detroit, is currently operating out of a hotel in Meriden, Gallagher said. http://www.stamfordadvocate.com Stamford, Connecticut Read This Story |
|
Magazine Sales Or Scams? May 8, 2010 Magazine Sales Or Scams? webcastr The Best of Internet TV 05/08/10 thenewsroom.com gab networks The Best of Internet TV http://www.webcastr.com View Video theNewsroom http://www.thenewsroom.com gab networks: View Video http://www.thenewsroom.com/details/4141518 |
|
Neighborhood says salesmen threatening homeowners May 8, 2010 Neighborhood says salesmen threatening homeowners Posted at: 05/08/2010 9:18 PM By: Cristina Rodda, Eyewitness News 4; Charlie Pabst, KOB.com KOB TV http://www.kob.com Albuquerque, New Mexico Read This Story |
|
Protective order issued in alleged sex assault on 16-year-old girl May 8, 2010 Protective order issued in alleged sex assault on 16-year-old girl The Register Citizen By RONALD DEROSA Published: Saturday, May 08, 2010 Ronald DeRosa can be reached by e-mail at rderosa@registercitizen.com. Follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/registercitizen. By RONALD DEROSA http://www.registercitizen.com Torrington, Connecticut Read This Story |
|
Neighborhood on edge after suspicious salesman comes knocking May 8, 2010 Neighborhood on edge after suspicious salesman comes kno |