Sheriff Arnold Lanier

FRAUD ALERT
February 15, 2010

DOOR-TO-DOOR MAGAZINE SALES

The supervisor or team leader will drop off these young adults in neighborhoods so they can walk to each house. They told officers that they are participating in some type of sales contest, where they earn money to start their own business or to start a career.

The company they stated they are working for is FloRd Agency of Delray Beach, Florida.

Based on information from the Better Business Bureau they warn that deceptive door-to-door magazine sales crews are hitting the pavement and looking to earn a quick buck this summer. In the last 12 months alone, BBB has received 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.

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 www.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 their Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org, local law enforcement, and state Attorney General offices.

For assistance call the

Hardee County Sheriff’s Office

(863) 773-4144

or

Detective David Drake

(863) 773-0304 ext 248