Magazine Sales Reps May be Knocking on Area Doors

Blue Diamond Subscriptions based in Phoenix, Ariz., is soliciting door-to-door magazine sales in full force across the northern part of the region. 

Victims have reported both male and female salespersons in their late teens or early 20s. The sales pitch includes a story about raising money for a trip overseas for school. Others are stating that they are fundraising for local high schools. 

Recent news stories from that region, state there are concerns about the legitimacy of the sales reps:

• http://www.khq.com/story/17291710/deputies-two-door-to-door-magazine-salesmen-have-felony-warrants

•  http://www.kxly.com/news/spokane-news/Door-to-door-grifters-hit-Reardan/-/101214/9769664/-/eav4qhz/-/index.html
 

BBB recommends never allowing strangers into your home, no matter the story.
 

BBB Tips to Avoid Door-to-Door Magazine Sales Scams

Listen carefully and be aware of high pressure sales tactics.Some unscrupulous door-to-door sellers will put pressure on you to close the deal at that moment, and even make special offers to entice you. Listen to their tone. Are they increasing in volume as they speak to you? Are they ignoring you despite saying you are not interested? Find a way to end the conversation quickly to avoid long, drawn-out pressure sales pitches.

Stand strong. Do not invite unsolicited salespeople into your home. If you do allow a salesperson inside and decide during the presentation that you are not interested in making a purchase, simply ask him or her to leave. If the salesperson refuses to leave, threaten to call the police, and follow through if they don't leave immediately.

Verify the individual and the company. If you are interested in buying from a door-to-door seller, get everything in writing including price, warranty and all conditions. Tell the salesperson you will check it out and get back to him or her. Ask for a business card and contact information. Look the company up yourself and check to verify this person is an employee. Also, take the time to check out the company's BBB Business Review at www.bbb.org.

Know your rights. 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.