Knock, Knock, Who’s There? Scamming Solicitors, That’s Who

Spring has sprung. Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping and fraudulent solicitors are rousing themselves from their winter hibernation. They may appear well-dressed and credible, though an unsavory motive lies behind the smile. Not all door-to-door salespeople are fraudulent, but how do you know which is which?

Ways to Spot a Door-to-Door Scammers

Emotional Sales Pitch

Scammers often prey upon people’s emotions. They may try to rush you, intimidate you or confuse you. Some may tell you a sad story about their personal life or the plight of a group of individuals for whom they are supposedly raising funds. A credible salesperson will represent their company professionally and objectively, without peppering their pitch with emotion.

Solicitor Red Flag Requests

Requesting a cash payment is a red flag. One “company” told homeowners they would put asphalt on their driveways, but needed cash up front. As you can imagine, these scammers walked away with the cash and never returned. A safer payment is a check or credit card that can be cancelled, but even that is risky because then the scammer has your bank account or credit card number.

The better bet is to say right away, “I don’t give out any money at my door, please send me something instead.”

Also, be wary of “referral sales,” where a solicitor offers to pay you or provide a discount for names of friends. Many of these are fake and just another way for the scammer to identify targets.

They may also mention a neighbor or point to a nearby house and say something like, “Your neighbor Mr. Jenkins just signed up!” Scammers can and will look at mailbox names or even inside to learn names of neighbors for this purpose.

Written Materials

A person employed by a credible company should be able to provide materials on their services. Materials should contain logos, contact information, terms and conditions and a cancellation form. You should be able to look the company up on the BBB’s website to verify its legitimacy.

However, with the ease of desktop publishing software or even MS Word, scammers can easily print materials that look legit, even creating fake websites — or create materials that mimic a legitimate organization.

The best bet is to call the number listed and ask if the company has door-to-door salespeople in your area, or again, simply say you don’t make purchases or donations at your door.

Tips to Avoid Getting Scammed by Solicitors

Ask for Identification

Don’t be afraid to ask for identification. Some states require a seller’s license in order for someone to solicit sales. Just because someone is dressed in a uniform doesn’t mean they are legitimate.

Ask for More Information

A well-meaning solicitor will be happy to provide you with more information on their services or wait while you call their company to confirm. A solicitor who gets irritated or flustered when questions are asked may indicate fraudulent intent.

NEVER Let Them into Your Home

If someone asks to enter your home to check your security system or energy usage, that is a huge red flag. No legitimate company will send an employee unannounced into someone’s home. Firmly decline, lock your door and call your security or energy company.

Also be leery if they ask to go into your backyard to check a cable box, underground pipes, etc. — while these are often very legitimate requests, make sure all of your exterior doors and windows are locked if you do need to let a worker into your backyard.

Common Solicitor Scams

Magazine Sales

These individuals claim to sell subscriptions and request payment upfront. Sadly, many people never receive their orders. And if you pay by check or credit card, now they have your numbers.

Meat Sales

The BBB recommends that people do not purchase meat from a door-to door salesperson. Thousands of complaints have been filed not only about the quality of the meat received, but about orders that never arrived. Some scammers will even stop if they see you in the yard or come to your door and tell you they have extra meat they couldn’t deliver and they’d be willing to sell it to you at a discount. If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.

Security Company Rep

These individuals pose as concerned employees who are there to ensure your security system is up to snuff. They often target older adults and try to invoke fear by claiming there have been robberies in the area. In reality, they want to access your home to rob or harm you.

Don’t let them in and call your security company right away — again, legitimate companies don’t send contractors to homes without prior notification.

Use Common Sense and Be Firm

• Never open your door without looking outside first, preferably from a different window. You can even call through the door to ask what the person wants. Use a door chain so the person can’t easily push past you.

• You are under no obligation to answer the door if a stranger knocks, just like you don’t have to answer your phone if you suspect it’s a solicitation call. In fact, not answering the door is probably the best thing you can do to protect yourself.

• Keep an eye on the person if you choose not to answer the door because some burglars will pretend to be legitimate reps or contractors and will ring the doorbell to find out if anyone is home. Don’t hesitate to turn on a loud TV or a light to let the person know someone is home. If they don’t leave after a few tries, start peering in windows or walk around the side of your house, call the police right away.

• If you do answer the door or are approached outside, remember that ulterior motives may be lurking beneath the smile. Don’t hesitate to be firm — thieves and assailants target people who they think won’t resist.

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.

Consider Having a Security System Installed

If you don’t have a security system or yours is old and out of date, consider having a modern system installed. Modern systems can include motion sensors, panic buttons that will immediately alert the police and even real-time video surveillance. Some include remote access control, meaning you can disable or enable door locks from a remote location.

Cultris Security Systems has been helping businesses and homeowners protect against crime for more than 10 years. Learn how we can provide you with peace of mind knowing your home and loved ones are safe.

Call 281-506-8466 or visit us online to learn more!

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