With the warmer weather that comes along with summer, so do the door-to-door solicitors. And while many operate fairly and honestly, there are ways to spot those who are simply looking for a quick buck. Managing editor Tami Roleff gives some tips on how to protect yourself from unscrupulous solicitors…
Gary Almond with the Better Business Bureau of Northeast California says some scammers use a bogus sales pitch as a way to snoop around a person’s home for information like credit card numbers, or items to steal. He says always ask for identification, verify the company and that the individual works for them, and inquire about their licensing. Almond adds it’s never a good idea to let a salesperson into your home before you’ve had time to research their company.
“I can’t tell you the number of people we’ve heard from, especially the elderly and infirm, who have let people into their homes. I don’t think it’s a good idea. Not because I don’t think they could make good decisions – it’s just not always safe.”
Almond also reminds people that it is your house – so if you don’t like where the sales pitch is going, take a step back and close the door. If a product or service is purchased, many times consumers have a chance to back out of the deal. Almond says in most instances, companies have to offer a three-day cancellation option.
“And if they don’t, your right to cancel still exists. So, you can write a cancellation letter any time you want. If they don’t provide it to you, you still have the right to cancel, up until they do notify you and the three days have passed.”
