Beware Of Suspicious Magazine Solicitors And Police Tips When One Knocks On Your Door



The Laurelhurst Blog has received many reports about a suspicious person walking around the neighborhood selling magazine subscriptions.
 
He is described as African American in his mid 20's with a slight build wearing a red hat, white sweater with gray scarf, charcoal gray pants and black tennis with white soles. 
 
Residents report that he has visited many, many houses, even those with "No Soliciting" signs and won't leave when asked and becoming verbally aggressive, belligerent, argumentative and insulting.  Neighbors describe him as being very insistent and persistent in remaining at a home after being asked to leave, continuing to knock, ring the doorbell and pound on doors as well as looking into windows.

One person reported he came to their house four times in one day even though the owner had told the individual that they were not interested in a magazine subscription.
 
Neighbors have called 911 and the Police have responded multiple times and have not been able to find the individual.
 
The solicitor has been seen multiple times on Surber Drive NE, 42nd Avenue NE, 41st Avenue NE, Belvoir Place, NE 33rd Street, 3500 block of NE 43rd Street and the residential area north of the Center for Urban Horticulture and on the west side of Talaris.
 
In the past months, others have reported a different individual seen on the 3700 and 3800 block of 46th Avenue NE as well as 47th Avenue NE to East Laurelhurst Drive, wearing a navy blue blazer, light blue button down shirt and jeans and a baseball cap, saying he was from Chicago and selling magazines.

The man didn't have a business permit and was not able to answer what company he was affiliated with.  The man was verbally aggressive, saying race related comments, as well as swearing heavily.  The same individual was also looking in cars.
 
Other residents have reported a female solicitor, claiming to be
selling magazines for a program to earn money, though she didn't have any order forms or business license with her.  She was been seen on the 4500 block of 48th Avenue NE.
 
The Laurelhurst Blog has published many posts on suspicious solicitor over the years, reporting that solicitors show up in a variety of ways - some saying they are practicing their social skills, same ones reportedly also visiting other nearby neighborhoods, others claiming to sell magazine subscriptions, and another person saying he is a janitor at whatever business is nearest the home he is visiting and saying he needs money as he is locked out.
Seattle Police regularly sends out notifications about your rights when a solicitor comes to your door.

SPD advises residents to not open their doors to solicitors, but to say "No thank you" or "Not interested" through the door.

SPD also says:

Most of these solicitors are not legitimate. These solicitors are scammers and give very little, if any, of the money they collect to the charity or organization they claim to represent. If you do answer the door and the solicitor becomes angry, threatening or verbally abusive, call 911.

 

SDP also says before opening the door, check to see that the solicitor is displaying proper identification mandatory in Seattle, showing the residential sales identification which number, seller’s photograph, along with the name of the licensee as well as the agent, and the type of product or service being sold. This must be on the outside of their clothing so it is easily viewable.

The license is only valid for the product or service specified. For questions about whether a company is properly licensed, call the City of Seattle’s Office of Revenue & Consumer Affairs 206-684-8136.

Last year there were numerous reports of very rude and confrontational magazine selling solicitors, particularly from D & T Connections, and here are just a few of the links found on-line about the serious problems with these solicitors nationwide: CBS News - D&T Connection Is An Accredited SubAgent, But I Still Don't Like Its Tactics
Houston Press - Magazine Crews Stabbin' Its Way Through Dallas
Lexington Police Warn Of Door to Door Magazine Sales Scam
 
In Laurelhurst, there have been many magazine solicitors over the summers and many complaints from residents:
Suspicious Solicitor Becomes Rude At Neighbor's Door More on Magazine Solicitors
Crimewatch: Magazine Solicitors
Susipcious Solicitors Near NE 45th Street
Suspicious Scam Artists
Solicitor Practicing Social Skills

Here are more  tips from the Seattle Police Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator:   

If you are displaying a "No Solicitor" sign it is unlawful for any residential seller to attempt to gain admittance for the purpose of selling at any residence displaying one of these signs.

Acknowledge the knock since ignoring it may lead to an attempted burglary. It is preferable to speak to strangers through your door.

Each residential seller is required to immediately upon contacting the prospective buyer, disclose their name, company and the product or service represented.

If requested to do so, the seller must leave the premises immediately. If the individual does not leave, or if an attempt to gain access is attempted by asking to use the bathroom, the phone or get a drink of water, refuse the request and ask the individual to leave. If you feel intimidated, pressured, or threatened at any time, call 911.

It is safer not to allow the salesperson into your home.

Don't pay immediately or give the salesperson cash or a check, as it may be pocketed and you will never receive the product ordered. Instead, find out from the seller how you can order directly from he company or receive the bill upon receipt of the product/service. If the salesperson is concerned about losing their commission for the sale, offer to provide their name when placing your order.

In Seattle, if you make a purchase, the salesperson must tell you of your right to cancel the order and the contract must include a statement regarding the right to cancel as well as a notice informing the buyer of their right to cancel the order any time prior to midnight of the third business day after the date of the transaction. A completed Notice of Canelllation (in duplicate) must be provided to the purchaser at the time they purchase from the seller. You do not need to provide a reason for canceling the order.

For each sale of ten dollars or more, the seller must provide a receipt or contract to the purchaser. Do not leave any blanks on your contract. Be sure the contract or receipt is dated and that it states the terms of the transaction, the amount of payment made and the name and address of the residential seller.

Never be afraid to say “NO!” to high pressure tactics and end your conversation with the salesperson.

Avoid making an immediate purchase in order to receive a “free gift.”

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Always look for proper identification. In Seattle, all door-to-door sellers must display on their outer clothing a Residential Seller photo ID issued by the City and carry with them a Seattle Business License with a Residential Seller endorsement. The residential sales agent’s license has the name of the agent and the business they represent. It shall also be endorsed with the type of product or service being sold. The license is only valid for the product or service specified and includes the licenses expiration date. It is advisable not to open your door to see the license. View the license through a peep hole in

the door or a window. If you cannot confirm the seller has a valid license you can call this office at 206-684-8484 and speak with a representative who can verify if the license is legitimate. The license number on the ID badge is the same as the seller’s City account number.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding Residential Sellers contact the Seattle Regulatory Control and Consumer Protection Division at 206-233-0050, Ronald Halas, Inspector, License and Tax Enforcement Ronald.Halas@seattle.gov.


Call 911 if you feel threatened or if you feel the person is acting

suspicious. You can also call the non-emergency number (206-625-5011

Never fall for high pressure sales tactics.These sales people may use intimidation, pressure tactics and threats to make a sale.  If a salesperson tries to pressure you into buying their product, terminate your conversation with them. Take the time to compare offers and shop around.

 Never be afraid to say “No!”. Call 911 if you feel threatened or if you feel the person is acting

suspicious. You can also call the non-emergency number (206-625-5011).

If the sales person is under 18, the police can determine if the business has the proper certification for employment of minors.

Use good judgment. It is safer not to allow the salesperson into your home. While the

salesperson on your doorstep might be a kid in need of help, there is a risk that they are a

criminal who has decided a traveling crew is a good place to hide. They may try to gain access to your home by asking for something to drink or to use the bathroom or by just pushing past you. They then use this opportunity to either commit a crime at that time or to check out your home for a future break-in.

Beware of deals that offer “free gifts” which depend on you purchasing a product you may not want.

Know your rights! In Seattle, if you make a purchase, the salesperson must tell you of your right to cancel the order and the contract must include a statement regarding the right to cancel. For every sale involving ten dollars or more the seller will provide a receipt or contract to the purchaser. Do not leave any blanks on your contract. Be sure the contract or receipt is dated and that it states the terms of the transaction, the amount of payment made and the name and address of the residential seller. It must also include a notice informing the buyer of their right to cancel the order any time prior to midnight of the third business day after the date of the transaction.  The seller must also provide to the purchaser at the time they sign a contract, or buy or agree to buy goods or services from the seller, a completed notice of cancellation in duplicate. You do not need to provide a reason for cancelling your order.

Here is a picture of a license that solicitors are required to carry:

 

 

   


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Beware Of Teenage "Fit For Life" Door To Door Solicitor And How To Protect Yourself

We received the below email yesterday from a neighbor regarding a teenager selling magazines under the name Fit for Life. whose website says: :

Fit for Life Network, Inc. is a Personal Development Sales Organization. We sell magazines. All Agents are background checked and must be at least 18 years of age. Our purpose is to assist young people wishing to enter the productive work force. We provide a fun life style while teaching practical work skills and sales experience. Rewards are based on a points system and might translate into tuition payments or the exotic vacation you always wanted.

 

 

The neighbor's email said:

I live in the area of 45th Avenue NE and NE 38th Street and wanted to warn others of a potential scam in our neighborhood.  A high school age boy came to our door to help fund his trip to play in a baseball tournament and possibly end up on ESPN.  He introduced himself as the grandson of a neighbor.

When showing us the "brochure", he flashed a lot of money (showing all the  money other neighbors have given). He said that the way the donations
worked is that 75% went to buy books for kids at children's hospital and
they got 25% (or something like that).   

The brochure did not look like it matched a fundraising effort.  He had hand written notes with suggested  donation packages on the order of hundreds of dollars, but suggested I just make a smaller cash donation that would be combined with other neighborhood donations.

He had nothing to prove that this was an official fundraiser.  The website
he gave was fitforlife.  He also gave me a cell number, which no one
answered when I called later.

He was very clean cut, well spoken.  He was in a white Mariners shirt and
plaid shorts.  My initial instinct was to give money without even hearing
all the details so I could get back to dinner.   He also interacted with
my kids, asking them if they play baseball.

I hope I am wrong, but if it is a scam, I think he will do quite well in
our neighborhood.   I know some neighbors have already given him money.

 

The Laurelhurst Blog staff did some research on "Fit For Life" and found it has numerous complaints nationwide from those who gave money and didn't receive anything in return.

Here are just a few of the websites documenting incidents of scamming by this company:
Scambook: Fit for Life
Better Business Bureau in Denver, CO - documents about 50 complaints
Complaints Board
Door to door Fundraising Scam Doesn't Benefit UC Davis Children's Hospital
Fit For Life Magazine Sales For the Troops Are A Fraud
Woman Victim To Group Soliciting For Fake Fundraiser

The Seattle Police Department says:

Most of these solicitors are not legitimate. These solicitors are scammers and give very little, if any, of the money they collect to the charity or organization they claim to represent.If a solicitor comes to your door, do not open the door but tell them through the closed door "No thank you" or "not interested." If you do answer the door and the solicitor becomes angry, threatening or verbally abusive, call 911."

 Here are more  tips given by the Seattle Police North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator:  

Homeowners may consider posting a "No Solicitor" sign indicating “No agents,” “No peddlers,” or “No Solicitors.” In Seattle, it is unlawful for any residential seller to attempt to gain admittance for the purpose of selling at any residence displaying one of these signs.

Before opening your door look for proper identification. In Seattle, all door-to-door sellers must display the residential sales identification which includes the seller’s photograph on their outer clothing, along with the name of the licensee as well as the agent, and the type of product or service being sold. The license is only valid for the product or service specified. If you have any questions about whether a company is properly licensed, call the City of Seattle’s Office of Revenue & Consumer Affairs 206-684-8136.

Acknowledge the knock since ignoring it may lead to an attempted burglary. It is preferable to speak to strangers through your door.

Each residential seller is required to immediately upon contacting the prospective buyer, disclose their name, company and the product or service represented.

If requested to do so, the seller must leave the premises immediately. If the individual does not leave, or if an attempt to gain access is ade by asking to use the bathroom, the phone or get a drink of water, refuse the request and ask the individual to leave. If you feel intimidated, pressured, or threatened at any time, call 911.

It is safer not to allow the salesperson into your home.

Don't pay immediately or give the salesperson cash or a check, as it may be pocketed and you will never receive the product ordered. Instead, find out from the seller how you can order directly from he company or receive the bill upon receipt of the product/service. If the salesperson is concerned about losing their commission for the sale, offer to provide their name when placing your order.

In Seattle, if you make a purchase, the salesperson must tell you of your right to cancel the order and the contract must include a statement regarding the right to cancel as well as a notice informing the buyer of their right to cancel the order any time prior to midnight of the third business day after the date of the transaction. A completed Notice of Canelllation (in duplicate) must be provided to the purchaser at the time they purchase from the seller. You do not need to provide a reason for canceling the order.

For each sale of ten dollars or more, the seller must provide a receipt or contract to the purchaser. Do not leave any blanks on your contract. Be sure the contract or receipt is dated and that it states the terms of the transaction, the amount of payment made and the name and address of the residential seller.

Never be afraid to say “NO!” to high pressure tactics and end your conversation with the salesperson.

Avoid making an immediate purchase in order to receive a “free gift.”

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

More Suspicious Solicitors In The Neighborhood

Here is email we received regarding solicitors in the neighborhood:

On Labor Day afternoon, September 2nd, a young black woman approached our front door on Ivanhoe Place. She immediately seemed startled when I opened the door and stepped down from our porch and spoke so softly about selling magazines that I could hardly hear her.

When I asked her for her credentials, she pulled several pages of documents our of her purse and handed them to me. I was only able to read something about some business in the State of Georgia. When she grabbed the papers back, one of the sheets tore a little and she was mad at me and left in a huff. She walked next door and knew that I was watching her. When I told her to leave the neighborhood, she yelled back, "God Bless" and kept on going.

Here are emails received in response to the posting about the solicitor on the 3800 block of 45th Avenue NE: 

A guy with the same description knocked on our door (4300 block of 50th Avenue NE) in April of 2011. He was selling the same magazine subscription. When I said "No thank you" he got verbally abusive, angry and rude. We had just moved into the neighborhood after 10 years of living in Columbia City and the most schocking thing is that I have seen this guy several times before hanging out in the parking lot (away from the store) of the Lowes on Rainier Avenue South. He would carry an empty gas canister and ask the Lowes patron who had parked nearby for money for gas. Again, when he was turned down, he was verbally abusive and threatening. I have been solicited by him at least three times there. The experience of having the same guy turn up at my door in Laurelhurst was not expected at all and I was quite shaken by that experience.

We saw this guy too, on 47th Avenue NE and NE 36th Street.  We called the off duty cop but he didnt answer. I thought it was strange when he saw me through the window from the street, then skipped our house. He knocked on our neighbors door and snooped around a bit on the porch before going across the street

I hope you will remind all Laurelhurst neighbors to call the police EVERY SINGLE TIME they see something suspicious or have a rude solicitor. The police cannot help us unless we report these things. Several police officers have told me the following, "The more we report, the more police protection our neighborhood will get."  Please call the police along with informing the blog!

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Similar Accounts Of Suspicious Young Men Out Last Sunday Claiming To Be Practicing Their Social Skills

We received the following two emails from separate readers, but coincidentally with similar stories about a suspicious person knocking on their doors in the same general area in north area of Laurelhurst.

Email from reader received Sunday:

I live on NE 54th Street and 45th Avenue NE near Kattermans. At about 2pm today I was outside when I saw a man coming towards my house. I felt a bit weird about it so I went inside and locked the door. He proceeded to come up to the door and knock. I pretended to ignore it and then he continued and when I  didn't come he yelled out that he was a neighbor.

I opened the door a bit and called my mother while answering the door just to be safe.  He asked me if I was the queen of the castle and I said "I'm sorry who are you sir?  He said he lived nearby and was trying to meet cool people and that "they" needed to meet 5 new cool people in the neighborhood.

I politely responded thank you but I'm in the middle of the phone call. He then became defensive and accused me of being on a fake phone call as everyone seems to be doing he said. I said I'm sorry I have to go and he just stood there. He gave me a very weird feeling so I watch him as he proceeded to go and knock on almost every single door on the street as if he were in a way canvasing the neighborhood.

His description is about 25-28 years old, white male with a bit of a tan, probably about 5'9,  light brown to sandy blond hair.  He was wearing jeans, a turquoise t-shirt and a hooded zip up brown sweatshirt.

Email from another reader received yesterday who lives near NE 50th Avenue NE and 45th Avenue NE:

I wanted to report that we had 2 teenage caucasian kids knock on our door on Sunday afternoon. They said that had been home schooled and their mother wanted them to work on their social skills so they were going door to door talking to people to raise money for a trip/schooling?

Then they said their Dad was in Afghanistan. It all seemed a little odd and suspect. When my husband finally said he had to go as we were very busy, the boy got angry and said he was very busy too doing this.

They left but later when I went outside I noticed that someone (and I am assuming they did it) wrote the numbers 333 on our steps with our kids chalk that was sitting there. I was puzzled as to what it represented so I looked up what 333 means and it could mean the "trinity" or half devil. I just wanted to write about this as these kids made us a little uncomfortable and it seems a little weird.

Peak Time For Door To Door Salespersons And Helpful Tips On Dealing With Them

With the onset of warmer weather, more door to door solicitors are out making their rounds.

Terri Johnson, Seattle Police North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator, sent some helpful information on how to deal most effectively and safely with the salespersons as we move into the peak time of door-to-door sales.

Recently, Laurelhurst Blog readers reported solicitors knocking on doors trying to sell magazines and other solictors wanting to practice their social skills.

Terri mentioned that the "Locksmith Scammer" has also been seen in neighorhoods throughout Seattle, claiming to need money to pay a locksmith.

Terri says:

There are many legitimate companies in this industry with professionally trained salespeople.  There are less reputable companies in this business willing to take advantage of  unsuspecting individuals who trust people knocking at their door. Sometimes residents forget to practice good personal safety.

Seattle Police officers respond to calls from citizens concerned about door-to-door salespeople. The results have ranged from the officers checking identification and sending the seller to the City of Seattle Revenue & Consumer Affairs office for their business license, to arrests of individuals posing as residential sellers, but wanted on warrants. There have also been arrests for aggressive behavior, threats made against the resident, burglaries, and assaults.


Homeowners may consider posting a sign indicating “No agents,” “No peddlers,” or “No Solicitors.” In Seattle, it is unlawful for any residential seller to attempt to gain admittance for the purpose of selling at any residence displaying one of these signs.

Helpful tips:

Before opening your door look for proper identification. In Seattle, all door-to-door sellers must display the residential sales identification which includes the seller’s photograph on their outer clothing, along with the name of the licensee as well as the agent, and the type of product or service being sold. The license is only valid for the product or service specified. If you have any questions about whether a company is properly licensed, call the City of Seattle’s Office of Revenue & Consumer Affairs 206-684-8136.

Acknowledge the knock since ignoring it may lead to an attempted burglary. It is preferable to speak to strangers through your door.

Each residential seller is required to immediately upon contacting the prospective buyer, disclose their name, company and the product or service represented.

If requested to do so, the seller must leave the premises immediately. If the individual does not leave, or if an attempt to gain access is ade by asking to use the bathroom, the phone or get a drink of water, refuse the request and ask the individual to leave. If you feel intimidated, pressured, or threatened at any time, call 911.

It is safer not to allow the salesperson into your home.

Don't pay immediately or give the salesperson cash or a check, as it may be pocketed and you will never receive the product ordered. Instead, find out from the seller how you can order directly from he company or receive the bill upon receipt of the product/service. If the salesperson is concerned about losing their commission for the sale, offer to provide their name when placing your order.

In Seattle, if you make a purchase, the salesperson must tell you of your right to cancel the order and the contract must include a statement regarding the right to cancel as well as a notice informing the buyer of their right to cancel the order any time prior to midnight of the third business day after the date of the transaction. A completed Notice of Canelllation (in duplicate) must be provided to the purchaser at the time they purchase from the seller. You do not need to provide a reason for canceling the order.

For each sale of ten dollars or more, the seller must provide a receipt or contract to the purchaser. Do not leave any blanks on your contract. Be sure the contract or receipt is dated and that it states the terms of the transaction, the amount of payment made and the name and address of the residential seller.

Never be afraid to say “NO!” to high pressure tactics and end your conversation with the salesperson.

Avoid making an immediate purchase in order to receive a “free gift.”

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Helpful Information From Neighborhood BlockWatch Captain On Dealing With Solicitors

A Neighborhood Blockwatch Captain just sent us this information below, after reading the post today about suspicious solicitors in the neighorhood.

The advice he passes along from the Seattle Police Department is helpful in knowing what to do when a solicitor comes to the door.

He writes:

There have been a few reports in the neighborhood of solicitors who may be bogus.

One, or sometimes two men, come to your door and say they are working on "social skills" and it may include fake magazine sales or soliciting for money.



SPD (Seattle Police Department) says DO NOT open your door.  Say through the closed door "NO THANK YOU".

If the solicitor becomes aggressive, argumentative, looks in your window or remains on your property, call 911. Include a description of the person.

More on Magazine Solicitors

This just in from Laurelhurst Crime Prevention Representatives:

"The Seattle Police Department has told us that most of these solicitors are not legitimate. These solicitors are scammers and give very little, if any, of the money they collect to the charity or organization they claim to represent.If a solicitor comes to your door, do not open it but tell them through the closed door "NOT INTERESTED." If you do answer the door and the solicitor becomes angry, threatening or verbally abusive, call 911."

And another experience sent in to us by a reader in the neighborhood:

"My husband and I recently had a door-to-door salesman knock on our door selling magazines for "Entrepreneurs Inc/Midwest Clearing." He was polite, well-dressed in a dress shirt and tie, and engaging, though he didn't have all of his facts straight.

When my husband asked for the salesman's ID, he said it was in his truck. After running out to his truck, he came back and said he had left his wallet at home, though his "girlfriend" was on the phone to verify that his wallet was left at home on the dresser. Later he said he lived in a hotel.

During the time he was running out to his truck, we googled the companies, and could only find information indicating the magazine sales were fraudulent. We told him this, and he became agitated and left quickly.

We just wanted to share, as I'm sure he's knocked on many doors in the neighborhood. He referenced a list of names of his sales (truthful or not) which included some people who live in the neighborhood. He stopped by our house both on Friday night and Monday night. We live in the 3600 block of 47th Ave NE. "

Crimewatch: Magazine Solicitors

Seems the magazine solicitors are back again. Not only have they been out and about in the neighborhood, but they are hitting other nearby neighborhoods, such as Bryant and Viewridge.

It is not clear if they are legitimate. But it seems from most accounts that they are very aggressive in behaviour, especially in demanding that the resident open the door to them.

A reader forwarded this email to us that was sent to the folks living around Laurelhurst Elementary School:

"Hello, I am writing to report a suspicious solicitor making the rounds this evening. We just had a man at our door claiming to sell magazines for underprivileged youth. (I believe this is the same guy that comes around each fall).

Bottom line – he wants cash or check donation at the door. He has no formal literature or marketing collateral representing his organization and he seems a bit ‘slick’ with his outpouring of detail on how hard he works.

He showed me a personal check written out for $753 from ‘Marka Jenkins’ on E. Laurelhurst Drive and went in to detail about her transaction.

Can this be sent on to our Seattle police force representative with the Laurelhurst Security project/pilot program?

If this person comes to your door, please call 911 and see if there is an available officer. Tell the 911 operator that we had been told to call because this group has been working all around the city and it is a scam."