Traveling Sales Crews  Information Web Site
Traveling Door To Door Sales
Dedicated to presenting the violent, destructive, greedy and criminal acts that have turned the Traveling Sales Industry
into a National Tragedy
"He who profits by a crime commits it."
Breaking News
Important Links

As of May 6, 2009:
Over 300 Documented High Profile Criminal Felony Cases
With 86 Documented Deaths

 Door-To-Door Sales Crimes
Wanted as of:

No one deserves to die or suffer or be abandoned or abused because they are selling magazines
or cleaner products or candies door to door,
BUT THEY ARE !

The Silent Killer of Teens, Young Adults and Homeowners
Fatalities As Of:

Facts Manipulated - The Truth Hidden
Child Abuse
Abandonment
Exploitation
Drugs
Sexual Assault
Rape
Traffic Deaths
Murder

The dirty business of sales by exploitation
without legal entanglement or federal regulation.
"No one shall be held in slavery or servitude, slavery and the slave trade
shall be prohibited in all their forms." Article 4, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948
http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html
Slaves to the sale


"The world is a dangerous place to live in,
not because of those who do evil,
but because of those who watch and let it happen"

March 26, 2009: Wisconsin Passes 'Malinda's Act'

On March 24, 2009 Malinda's Traveling Sales Crew Protection Act (SB-4)
was passed by the Wisconsin Senate (27-6)
and by the Wisconsin House of Representatives (68-30)
On March 26, 2009 Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle signed the bill into law.

For more information please contact Wisconsin State Senator Jon Erpenbach

Web Site: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/senate/sen27/news
Senator Jon Erpenbach
8 South, State Capitol
P.O. Box 7882
Madison, WI 53707-7882
(608)266-6670 or toll-free (888) 549-0027
Fax: (608) 266-2508
E-mail: Sen.Erpenbach@legis.wi.gov

Read Press Release
More information on the new legislation can also be found on this web site.


Ads like these are killing children, teens,
young adults, and homeowners:

Knock Knock

ABSOLUTE FUN!
YES is in town and needs 18-
25 sharp & enthusiastic guys
& gals. If you are money
motivated and tired of fast
food or minimum wage, we
offer 2 week paid training.
All expenses paid. no experience
necessary. If you are out-
going and can start immedi-
ately. Please call 608-241-
4171 ask for Mr. Holmes
(Mon. thru Wed.)

These Kids Answered The Ad And Died On The Job !

Fatalities Of The Traveling Door-To -Door Sales Industry

Memorials

Door-to-Door Sales
Youth Awareness
Questions and Answers
Oklahoma Department of Labor:
Read This - PDF Format

How To Fight The Monster

Newspapers are by-and-large privatly held companies
and have the absolute right by law to refuse ads like these
from the crew managers and owners.
We highly recommend to all newspaper companies across the country
to IMMEDIATELY STOP! allowing these fly-by-night exploiters
to continue placing the above types of ads in your newspapers.
Besides the ever so slow federal legislation drastically needed to regulate
this fowl and immoral industry we have 4 ways to fight this evil monster:

1) Educate our children at all levels.
2) DO NOT allow our teens and young adults to work for a traveling sales crew.
3) DO NOT buy their magazine and/or soap products door-to-door.
4) Starve them of their work force by not allowing ads like these to be posted.

Newspapers Across The Country
It is your legal right and moral obligation to STOP these ads!
National Newspaper Search - www.newsvoyager.com/voyager.cfm

Sign Petition to Protect Mobile Sales Crew Workers
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Protect_Crews

Did You Know?
A teen American worker is injured on the job every two minutes,
and one teen dies from a workplace injury every five days.
Estimates based on National Institute for Safety and Health data
National Consumers League
NCL's 2007 Five Worst Teen Jobs
Timeline of Shame: Congress Fails to Act on Abusive Industry


They Will Not Be Forgotten
Janesville Wisconsin Van Crash Memorial March 2009
March 2009 Memorial

Dedicated Memorial Parents Group
Dedicated Memorial

If you are researching articles regarding the 'traveling door to door sales' industry, or looking for criminal reports and/or activities of the various door to door magazine and cleaner sales companies then you are in the right place.
Please use our Site Map: Site Map
~or~ Main Web Index: Index
For an explaination of what this website is about:  Introduction
Latest Additions:  Whats New
If you are a parent looking for your child or a kid that needs help: Help Resources

To Research The "Traveling Door-To-Door Sales" Phenomenon:
BREAKING NEWS:       Breaking News
Scams and Rip Offs:  SCAMS and Rip Offs
Crimes:                        Door To Door Sales Crimes
Wanted:                       Wanted
Missing Persons:        Missing Persons
News Articles:            Article Research
FAQ:                             Frequently Asked Questions
Contact:                      Contact

Search Tools

List alphabetical database of company/crew names:
Display List

National Newspaper Search - www.newsvoyager.com/voyager.cfm
Website Search Engines

Names Of Publishers, Clearinghouses, Door to Door Sales Companies and Crews:
Google Search: Companies + Keyword Search + Company List

Research:
The Direct Selling Association:
Amway
Kirby Vacuum
Southwestern company

Quixtar Cult Intervention: http://quixtarisacultintervention.blogspot.com
Research: Amway: http://www.amquix.info
Research: Southwestern Company/DSA: Southwestern Company/DSA Research
Research: Kirby Vacuum Crimes: Kirby Vacuum Crimes

Wisconsin Legislation 2007: SB-80
Wisconsin Legislation 2006: SB-251

For questions related to the 'traveling door to door sales' industry, article/criminal research, company information/contacts please use the following email:  WebMaster

Letters To The MPA and Publishers
 Letters To The MPA and Publishers

WEB USER DOMAIN ALERT !!!

Google
The Web travelingsalescrews.info

Bing Search

Bing

Bing Search: www.travelingsalescrews.info
Bing

DMPG Featured Article - July 17, 2008
Houston Press - Houston, Texas
What Mainstream Publishers Don't Want You to Know About Door-to-Door Magazine Sales
That kid at your door with a magazine order form will tell you a story --
part sad, part hopeful. The truth will be infinitely worse than you can imagine.
July 17, 2008
By Craig Malisow
Houston Press
published: July 17, 2008
Read This Story

DMPG Featured Article - Febuary 21, 2007
New York NY
For Youths, A Grim Tour on Magazine Crews
Febuary 21, 2007
By IAN URBINA
New York Times
Read This Story
New York Times:
Life on a Magazine Crew
View This Video

DMPG Featured Article - August 8, 2006
The Portland Tribune - Portland Oregon
Subscription for disaster
PART I: Door-to-door magazine sales crews ensnare young, vulnerable
August 8,2006
By Todd Murphy
The Portland Tribune
Read This Story

View The Memorial Page
 List Of Deceased As Of
  

WANTED
Do You Have Any Info. On These Crimes?


Choan Alan Lane
Restitution Violations
 No image expansion.
Location: Rock County, Wisconsin
Date: 05/10/08
Unsolved Attempted Rape
No image expansion.
Location: Weston, Missouri
Date: 09/26/07
SOLVED Murder

No image expansion.
Location: Austin, Texas
Date: 02/10/07
Unsolved Murder

No image expansion.
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Date: 11/26/06
Sex Offender Escapes Courthouse
No image expansion.
Location: Burlington, Vermont
Date: 08/22/06

Unsolved Rape   


No image expansion.
Location: Portland Oregon
Date: 10/20/05
Unsolved Rape   


No image expansion.
Location: Houston, Texas
Date: 6/16/05
Unsolved Murder


Click on image to expand.
Location: Cerritos, Calif.
Date: 11/19/04



Unsolved
Rape


No image expansion.
Location: Cobb County, Georgia
Date: 07/28/03



Unsolved Attempted Murder
Sexual Assault
No image expansion.
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Date: 05/23/01

Breaking News

Introduction    Breaking News     Teens And Parents Help Resources    Site Index

Site Map   Must Read Articles    Traveling Door To Door Sales Criminal Chronology

Article Research   Whats New    Tragic Events   Site Dedication     Check For Missing Persons

TAKE A CLOSE LOOK AT THE
CRIMES
the door to door sales industry is committing
against consumers, children, teens, and young adults:
(offenders name, offense, sales crew, clearinghouse,
court documents, article links)
View The Profile By Name Page
Last Update: May 18, 2008

Have You Been Ripped Off Or Scammed
By A Door To Door Sales Agent?
Has Your Community Been Swarmed
By Magazine Or Cleaner Door To Door Sales Crews?
Then Read This


To request information on DMPG media press kits, current legislation,
articles with broken links, educational material including DMPG posters,
DVDs, streaming video clips, and alert flyers for your community
please contact the DMPG  WebMaster




Malinda's Memorial March 25, 2005

Letters To The MPA and Publishers
 Letters To The MPA and Publishers


Must Read
* * * DMPG FEATURED ARTICLES * * *

Civil Lawsuit
June 19, 2006
Civil Lawsuit Filed Against Vincent Pitts
President of National Field Selling Association
NFSA

A civil lawsuit has been filed against Vincent Pitts (president of the National Field Selling Association) and owner of Palmetto Marketting, Inc. (palmettomarketinginc.com) in response to the brutal beating and rape of a 50 year-old Menomonie, Wisconsin Woman on July 1, 2005.

STATE OF WISCONSIN
CIRCUIT COURT
DUNN COUNTY

Ms.x
Menomonie, WI 54751

Plaintiff,

Wisconsin Department of Justice
Crime Victim Compensation Program
17 West Main Street
P.O. Box 7951
Madison, WI 53708-7951
and
Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire County
2503 North Hillcrest Parkway
Altoona, WI 54720
Subrogated Parties.
Case No:
Case Codes: 30106, 30107

vs.

Vincent Pitts, an Individual
7522 Wiles Road, Suite 112
Coral Springs, FL 33067
Palmetto, Marketing, Inc., a Florida Corporation
7522 Wiles Road, Suite 112
Coral Springs, FL 33067

Sunshine Subscription Agency, Inc., a Florida Corporation
7522 Wiles Road, Suite 112
Coral Springs, FL 33067

Robert Cecil, an Individual
7522 Wiles Road, Suite 112
Coral Springs, FL 33067
Tina Michelle Cecil, an Individual
7522 Wiles Road, Suite 112
Coral Springs, FL 33067

Gemini Subscriptions, Inc., a Florida Corporation
7522 Wiles Road, Suite 112
Coral Springs, FL 33067

Brandon Green, an Individual
Dunn County Jail
615 Stokke Parkway
Menomonie, WI 54751

Read The Criminal Complaint Againsit Brandon Lee Green
Read The Civil Lawsuit Against Vincent Pitts




Civil RICO

January 7, 2005

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF ORANGE
CENTRAL JUSTICE CENTER


DANIEL WILKINSON, an individual;
STEPHANIE LAURITO, an individual; and
MARCUS HENKHAUS, an individual, on behalf
of themselves and all others similarly situated,
Plaintiffs,
v.
HY-PRO CHEMICAL PRODUCTS, INC., a
Texas corporation; EDGE SALES, INC., a Texas
corporation; JOSEPH w. EDGE, an individual;
and DOES 1 through 100, inclusive,
Defendants.

COMPLAINT FOR DAMAGES
AND INJUNCTIVE RELIEF


August 19, 2004
If It's Not One Pitch, It's Another
Do Not Call List Boosts Door-to-Door Sales
You could call it a knock-knock joke on consumers.
Homeowners irritated by mealtime marketing calls
may have inadvertently brought back the door-to-door salesman.
BY TOM DURANTE
Long Island Press
longislandpress.com
Read This Story

May 24, 2004
Pitts Sales Sues Inside Edition
For Hidden Camera/Racketeering
Read Federal Complaint - PDF Format

May 17, 2004
Knock Knock
Desperate, young magazine peddlers are out there,
roaming America in search of the next sucker.
Have you been conned?
By Rupal Parekh
The New York Review of Magazines
Read This Story

April 4, 2004
Former magazine seller shares stories of life on the road
 By BRIGID O'MALLEY
Naples Daily News
Read This Story

April 4, 2004
Traveling sales crews alarm law enforcement agencies
 By BRIGID O'MALLEY
Naples Daily News
Read This Story

Febuary 3, 2004
EXPLOITED YOUNGSTERS SELLING MAGAZINES
DOOR-TO-DOOR MAKE SALES COMPANIES RICH:
AN INSIDE EDITION INVESTIGATION
Youngsters abuse drugs while driving in vans,
party in motels every night,
and are exploited by managers
Inside Edition
Read This Story

January 4, 2004
When crime knocks
Door-to-door sales industry has few regulations regarding employees
Knoxville News-Sentinel
Read This Story

June 30, 2003
The hazards of door-to-door sales
Solicitors are often young people working in unfamiliar places.
philly.com
By Dwayne Campbell and Amie Parnes
Inquirer Staff Writers
Read This Story

__________________________________________

* * *Traveling Sales Crews Criminal Chronology * * *
A History Of Tragedy And Carnage
Innocent Children, Teens, Young Adults, And Homeowners
Are Maimed, Raped, Robbed, And Murdered
As The Door To Door Traveling Sales Industry
Continues To Profit.
__________________________________________



2005


July 7, 2005
Who's there ?
A troubling case raises questions about solicitors
By KEN WOOD
Sun Newspapers
Read Complete Story
Data Source:
Menlo Park California Police
Case Number: 040121071
Twinsberg Ohio Police Department
Case Number: 0414626
Synopsis:
Derrick Todd Jones two time convicted sexual offender
selling magazines door to door.
 Unified Stars
Go Doers
American Community Services, Inc.
Selling Magazines Door to Door



2004


August 12, 2004
Man admits he molested 9-year-old El Cajon girl
Maurice Andre Thomas Sexually Assaults 9 Year Old Girl
Data Source: El Cajon Police Report
Court No.: CE238576
Synopsis: Defendant is a traveling salesman charged
with nine felony counts including child molestation
of a 9-year-old El Cajon girl in her apartment on 3/16/04.
Victim says she was forced into her apartment,
held against her will and sexually assaulted.
 Services Unlimited Plus
Selling Magazines Door to Door

June 15, 2004
Traveling Magazine Salesman Azriel Rashad Bridge
Murders Shirley Reuter.
Shirley Reuter was found beaten and stabbed on the floor
of her suburban New Jersey home.
New Jersey murder has Michiana ties
Bridge is being held on a $500,000 bond,
has outstanding warrents in Illinois,
and is also being charged with robbery.
June 15, 2004
Man Did Not Undergo Background Check
Chicago Murder Suspect Had Previous Warrant
CHICAGO -- Shirley Reuter, 77, was found beaten and stabbed to death
on the floor of her New Jersey home, and on Monday 18-year-old
Azriel Bridge, of Chicago, was arraigned in court, charged with her murder.
Phoenix Imagery, Inc.
American Community Services
Selling Magazines Door to Door

April 21, 2004
Man charged with murder in magazine saleswoman's death
Read Complete Story
RAPID CITY -- A 41-year-old Rapid Valley man was charged early Tuesday
with murdering a 21-year-old woman who came to his home last week to sell magazines.
Neil Frame, 3030 Gypsey Road, faces first-degree murder charges in the death of Kristina Moore
of Lancaster, Calif. Moore disappeared Wednesday evening while working for a door-to-door
magazine crew in the Rapid Valley area where Frame lived.
Moore's body was found Friday morning in a field near Hermosa.
During a news conference Tuesday morning, city, county and state law-enforcement
officers said autopsy results showed that Moore had suffered a blow to the head but
died of asphyxiation from strangulation.
When she was found Friday, she still had a plastic zip tie around her neck,
Pennington County State's Attorney Glenn Brenner said.
There also were indications on the body that a stun gun might have been used, Brenner said.
Imperial Sales
Liberator Sales
Pacific Coast Clearing Services
Selling Magazines Door to Door

2003


September 14, 2003
"Jones said he worked 80 hours a week,
was cheated out of commissions and worked
in a culture of drug use and violence."
Magazine sales work ends in tale of terror
Great Lakes Circulation
Selling Magazines Door to Door

June 15, 2003
Fifteen people were crammed into the 1992 Chevrolet Suburban
when it rolled over on a lonely stretch of U.S. Highway 666
about five miles north of Shiprock, N.M., just before noon
last Sept. 20. Two teenage girls were killed.
Deaths nothing new for sales crews
Atlantic Circulation Inc.
Selling Magazines Door to Door



2002


July 29, 2002
Magazine Sales Company Settles
With Murder Victim's Family For $1 Million
Diane Cooper Murdered
Diane Cooper's daughters Monday morning
signed a $1 million settlement of their lawsuit
against Palmetto Marketing, Inc., the Florida-based
company whose employee murdered Cooper in May of 2000.
Cooper was murdered in her Fulton home by Matthew Maxson,
a door-to-door magazine salesman.
Police believe Cooper had let the young man into her home.
She was stabbed with a knife and with a broken bottle.
DeGeorge Sales
Palmetto Marketing
Selling Magazines Door to Door

September 03, 2002
Door To Door Magazine Salesman Michael Roland Poissant
Charged With Two Counts of Rape, Kidnapping,
Abduction And Aggravated burglary.
Salesman allegedly rapes 12-year-old
Man was selling magazines door-to-door

Suspect drops plea
Salesman accused of raping young girl decides to face jury
Palmetto Marketing
Selling Magazines Door to Door

June 26, 2002
Door-To-Door Salesman Accused Of Rape
Man Entered Home After Asking For Water, Police Say
Deon Bowens Rapes 14 Year Old Girl
PITTSBURGH -- A 14-year-old girl was allegedly raped
while babysitting a 1-year-old in Dormont.
Austin Diversified Products
Selling Cleaner Products Door to Door

2001


August 22, 2001
Traveling Magazine Salesman Rodger Eric Broadway
Rapes And Murders Knoxville Tennessee Woman.
Police capture man charged with murder of local woman
The Real Deal
American Community Services
Selling Magazines Door to Door

April 19, 2001
Two young Douglas County Colorado girls ages 12 and 13
are sexually assaulted by traveling magazine salesmen
Dwayne Taylor and Maurice Rogers
Two Clarke Farms teens sexually assaulted by magazine salesmen

Magazine salesman convicted of assault
American Community Services
Selling Magazines Door to Door

2000


June 05, 2000
Five Traveling Door To Door Magazine Salesmen
Brutally Beat Brett D. King To Death.
Allen County Indiana Coroner determines that Brett D. King died
as a result of blunt force trauma to the head.
Magazine sales: No fun in sun
Teens, young adults often trapped in web of drugs, death

Youthful salesman's long regret
Convicted of murder, he now wishes he had listened to his mother
New River Subscription Services
Selling Magazines Door to Door

March 18, 2000
Frustrated Families Confronting Publishers
Sales crews still dying as reform stalls
The Death Toll Climbs
World Wide Circulation
Palmetto Marketing
Selling Magazines Door to Door

1999


August 7, 1999
Blame Publishers, Not Young Salespeople
Article By The Director Of Parent Watch

May 6, 1999
Toxic chemicals demonstrated orally by young, eager sales force
 The Examiner On-Line
By Jerry Jordan
Read This Story
 Hy-Pro Chemical
Joseph Edge
Selling Cleaner Products Door to Door

April 29, 1999
Rock ‘n roll’ sales job: Drugs and booze abound
 The Examiner On-Line
By Jerry Jordan
Read This Story
 Hy-Pro Chemical
Joseph Edge
Selling Cleaner Products Door to Door

March 25, 1999
Seven Die And Five Are Maimed For Life
Traveling Magazine Sales Crew Van Crash
Janesville Wisconsin - March 25, 1999
Youth Employment Services/Subscriptions Plus, Inc.
New Company Names:
Services Unlimited Plus
Subscription Services
National Magazine Services
CIRCULATION I, INC
CIRCULATION II, INC
National Community Clearing, INC
PRAETORIAN
PLATINUM SALES
PARAGON SALES
MAJESTIC SALES

Selling Magazines Door to Door

1998


November 8, 1998
DeMers was critically injured and not breathing
Beaten Near Death By
Jeremy Delano Kincaid and James Larry Ransom
In the shadow of violence
Assault occured on August 12, 1998
American Community Services
Selling Magazines Door to Door

March 6, 1998
WOMAN RAPIST SENTENCED TO 6 YEARS:
Abstract (Article Summary)
When Bridgette Latrice Brown, 23, knocked on the door of a Seattle woman's home
and told her she was selling magazines to help get kids off the streets,
the woman believed her. But when Brown asked the woman to take her to a motel,
then grabbed a knife and threatened to take her life . . . the woman was shocked.

"I have never seen a stranger case," said King County Senior Deputy Prosecutor
Kathy Goater, who heads the special assault unit. "A forcible rape of a woman by
another woman? It rarely happens. In the context of a strange rape, I've never
seen one like this before."
RONALD K. FITTEN.
Seattle Times. Seattle, Wash.: Mar 6, 1998.
Seattle Times Archive Link:
WOMAN RAPIST SENTENCED TO 6 YEARS
Selling Magazines Door to Door


1997


October 26, 1997
Friend's death in crash still disturbs ex-seller
From the Journal Sentinel
Meg Kissinger
Appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Aug. 1, 1999.
Read The Complete Story
Angel Trevino is haunted by the memories of holding her friend
who lay dying along the highway.
The two had been on a crew together for eight months
at All-Star Promotions, a magazine subscription
sales company based in Pilot Point, Texas. They had been working
in Destin, Fla., and had left just after midnight Oct. 26, 1997, on
their way back to Texas. It had begun to rain as they were driving
through Jackson, Miss., at about 9 that morning. The van swerved as the
driver tried to pass another car, and rolled off the road,
throwing Amber Stankovich, 19, onto the pavement. Trevino's legs were crushed,
but she was conscious. She dragged herself through the shattered windshield.
The four others in the crash were shaken, but none was as bad off as Stankovich.
Trevino would tell an investigator for Parent Watch, an industry watchdog:
"We couldn't find Amber, because she was in a ditch. I finally saw her and wanted to go to her,
but there was this barbed wire in the way. The ambulance people brought her up and put her next to me.
They said she had a heartbeat but wasn't breathing. I started freaking out, but they told me to talk
to her and try to bring her back, that sometimes that helps."
All Star Promotions
Selling Magazines Door to Door

1996


September 5, 1996
Michael W. Grinnell and Jacob R. Russell
Beat To Death
Billy Joe Gilbert and Adam Chesnek
Traveling Salesmen Murdered
"Victims refused to participate in a robbery"
All Star Promotions
Selling Magazines Door to Door

1995


Dec 10, 1995
ELDERLY WOMAN ATTACKED BY SALESMAN, POLICE SAY
Orlando Sentinel; Orlando, Fla.; Dec 10, 1995;
See Article Abstracts: Dec. 10, 1995
A magazine salesman revisited the apartment of an 88-year-old woman
who turned down a subscription and attacked her, police said Saturday.
Samuel A. Erby, 20, was arrested a few minutes after the assault Wednesday.
He was in jail Saturday, charged with injury to an elderly person.
Police said the salesman tried to suffocate the woman with her scarf.
Then he tried to smother her with his hand as she fought him and screamed.
He ran away and a neighbor called 911.
Police found the woman lying on the floor near her front door.
She was treated for cuts and bruises.
Selling Magazines Door to Door
Sept. 29, 1995
JUDGE SENTENCES MAN IN KILLING
GUNMAN GETS 100-YEAR TERM FOR 1995 SHOOTING
Chanuncey Watts
a.k.a. Chauncey Whitehead
Additional Charges:
Criminal Attempt To Commit Murder,
First-Degree Assault
Criminal Use Of A Firearm
AND
Aug 13, 1998
SUSPECT CHARGED IN HOTEL SHOOTING
Chanuncey Whitehair
In Crowd
Chapel Sales, Inc
Selling Magazines Door to Door

July 15, 1995
Firm illegally selling magazines door-to-door here settles lawsuit
Janet Kelley; Lancaster New Era. Lancaster, Pa.; July 15, 1995;
See Article Abstracts: July 15, 1995
A Washington business and its president have paid $5,000 to settle accusations
stemming from their involvement in the illegal door-to-door sale of magazine
subscriptions in southcentral Pennsylvania.
The defendants also agree to make restitution both to consumers who didn't get the
subscriptions they paid for and to sales personnel who didn't get promised salaries and bonuses.
A consent petition filed this week in Lancaster County Court identifies the defendants
as NCS Corp., Gig Harbor, Wash., and its president, William Gillespie.
In August 1992, the attorney general's office sued NCS and several other corporations.
Among other things, the lawsuit alleged that the defendants:
Charged consumers a $7 "processing fee" that wasn't adequately disclosed or explained.
Failed to properly register with the state.
NCS Corp., Gig Harbor, Wash.
Selling Magazines Door to Door

1994


June 23, 1994
SALESMAN IS CHARGED IN BOY'S STRANGULATION
First Degree Intentional Homicide
Child Abduction
 Times - Picayune; New Orleans, La.;
See Article Abstracts: Jume 30, 1994
A door-to-door salesman is charged with strangling a 9-year-old boy
whose nude body was found a block away from his suburban home.
John James Smith, 19, of Carol Stream, Ill., was charged Monday in Circuit
Court with first-degree intentional homicide and child abduction in the
death of Jesse Hubatch of Franklin.
Hy-Pro Chemical
Hy-Pro Cleaner

Selling Cleaner Products Door to Door

For Further Information On Hy-Pro Chemical See:
Slaves to the sale

1993


November 4, 1993
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
v.
RICHARD EUGENE CAGLE and MICHAEL PAUL SCOTT
First-Degree Felony Murder
Robbery With A Dangerous Weapon
Conspiracy To Commit Robbery
With A Dangerous Weapon
MICHAEL PAUL SCOTT
Sun Circulation
Selling Magazines Door to Door

March 3, 1993
Whittier Heights Stung By Assaults Of 4-Year-Old
A traveling magazine salesman is accused of luring a 4-year-old boy
into a restroom last Thursday at Whittier Elementary School and sexually
assaulting him. The suspect was arrested the next day and has been
charged with first-degree rape of a child.
Alex Tizon
Seattle Times
Seattle Times Archive Link:
Whittier Heights Stung By Assaults Of 4-Year-Old
Florida Based Magazine Sales Company
Selling Magazines Door to Door


1992


1992
Slaves to the sale
Nancy Stancill


Read these 'award winning' articles by Nancy Stancill.

The 'Slaves to the sales series' reveal a shocking glimpse into the dark and murky past of the ‘traveling door to door sales’ industry and provides an excellent history of an unregulated and immoral enterprise that continues to exploit young adults for profit.

Slaves to the sale


June 21, 1992
MAGAZINE SALES JOBS CALLED SLAVERY
TEENS REPORT TOILING 60 HOURS A WEEK FOR $7 A DAY IN PAY
 Patroit News, Harrisburg PA.
By: George Weigel
Credit: NEWHOUSE NEWS SERVICE
Article Abstract:
"Travel. Make lots of money."
Those words in a newspaper help-wanted ad caught the eye of 19-year-old
Maxine Preston of Luzerne County, Pa.
Things sounded so good when Preston went for an interview at a local hotel
that she agreed to leave that same night on what she thought was the perfect job.
What followed was the worst three months of her life. Preston says she was taught
to lie to customers to make sales. She found herself knocking on doors six days a week
from 9 a.m. to as late as 2 in the morning.
MAGAZINE SALES JOBS CALLED SLAVERY
American Marketing Network
Selling Magazines Door to Door

1991


January 22, 1991
DOOR-TO-DOOR MAGAZINE SELLER JAILED AFTER RAPE
 SCOTT HERHOLD, Mercury News Staff Writer
San Jose Mercury News (CA)
Article Abstract:
A 23-year-old Mississippi man who sold magazines door to door was in custody
at Santa Clara County Jail Thursday after being arrested on suspicion of
raping a woman in East San Jose.
Police said the man forced his way into the residence after the woman
-- described as being in her 20s -- opened her front door. Officers
would say only that the rape occurred about 3 p.m. Tuesday near White
Road and Cunningham Road. The man choked the victim and kicked her, raped
her and then fled out the rear of her house, police said.
Sgt. Greg Trapp said an officer responding to the call recognized the
description as resembling a magazine salesman in the same neighborhood.
Trapp said investigators then interviewed neighbors, who were able to
describe the man and the identity card he used to sell magazines.
After checking with the city's permit division, the police determined
that the man worked for American Community Services Inc.,
which sells a variety of magazines.
American Community Services
Selling Magazines Door to Door

1990


July 13, 1990
Magaizne salesman Darrin Whitman is found guilty
of murdering Bernice Clark.
See Article Abstracts
 July 22, 1990
REGULATION OF SOLICITORS VIRTUALLY NIL OFFICIALS
REASSESS LOCAL LAWS IN WAKE OF WOBURN KILLING
January 18, 1991
Salesman found guilty of Woburn murder

Bernice Clark, 76, was found stabbed to death in her Senator Road home July 13.
Hours later, Darrin Whitman, an employee of an Indiana-based soliciting company,
was arrested by state and Woburn police and charged with the killing.
A Middlesex Superior Court jury deliberated approximately two hours before
finding that Darrin Whitman, 24, had killed Clark, a retired beautician,
with deliberate premeditation.
Whitman was one of a large group of young people brought into the
Woburn area last summer by American Community Services of Michigan City,
Ind., to sell magazines and had sold a subscription to Clark earlier in the day.
Evidence showed he later came back, made Clark undress and lie on the bed
before stabbing her four times, once in the heart.
American Community Services
Selling Magazines Door to Door


1989


July 6, 1989
Bakersfield, California
John Lee Holt rapes and murders a 65-year-old woman
who told him to leave.
The California Supreme Court has upheld the death penalty
given a door-to-door salesman who was convicted of murdering
a 65-year-old woman who told him to leave.
A Kern County Superior Court jury convicted John Lee Holt of robbery,
rape and murder in the 1989 incident, and the state court upheld the
decision in this automatic appeal.
venus.soci.niu.edu
Rick Halperin AI-Texas
Posted May 19, 1997
John Lee Holt
Austin Diversified Products
Selling Household Cleaning Products Door to Door


1988


July 5, 1988
Carl M. McClellan Convicted Of First Degree Felony Rape
American Fork, Utah
 McClellan was found guilty of raping
a 19 year-old deaf American Fork woman.
See Un-Posted News Article: August 31, 1988 - SALESMAN GUILTY OF AM.F. RAPE
Utah Dept. of Corrections:
Sex Offender Registry
Door-To-Door Salesman Selling Cleaner


1987


April 7, 1987
ABUSES BY DOOR-TO-DOOR SALES OUTFITS ALLEGED
DateLine: Washington
 Media General News Service
By Steve Goldberg
Read This Story
 Mecca Enterprises Inc.
Selling Magazines and Cleaner Products Door to Door

1985


December 22, 1985
SALES FIRMS ACCUSED OF EXPLOITING YOUTHS
Seattle Times; Seattle, Wash.; Dec 22, 1985;
DateLine: Portland
 AP
Read This Story
Selling Magazines Door to Door

1984


June 17, 1984
Magazine Sales Enmesh Youths In Murky World
Magazine Sales Enmesh Youths In Murky World - Morning Call
 Circulation Builders of America, Magnet International,
National Circulating Co., National Publishers Circulation House, Inc.,
North American Book Sales, Publishers Circulation,
Solar Circulation, Stargazer,
TICOA (Trans International Clearinghouse of America) Corp.,
Trade Tech International, U.S. Publishers,
U.S. Publishers Circulation, Inc.,
Youth of America,
Jo Edge
 Selling Magazines Door to Door

1982


July 25, 1982
Suspect In Murder Had Criminal Past
View as PDF File
Aggravated Murder
Rape
Burglary
 On August 19, 1982, David W. Steffen talked his way into
the home of a 19-year old Cincinnati woman. David Steffen,
a young door-to-door salesman, was selling a cleaner
product which was packaged by Hy-Pro Chemical.
The 19-year-old Cincinnati woman allowed
him in to give her a demonstration.
The Cincinnati woman watched as Steffen scrubbed the tile
under the sink.
When he stood up, Steffen brushed against her breast.
She started to scream. Steffen warned her to stop but she
continued. Steffen then beat her severely, ran into the
kitchen, found a paring knife and returned to the bathroom
where he raped her and cut her throat.
Steffen beat her, broke her nose, choked her and slashed
her throat 4 times. He left the home after raping her,
leaving her body for her mother to find.

For Further Information On Hy-Pro Chemical See:
Slaves to the sale
Hy-Pro Chemical
Selling Cleaner Products Door To Door

1978


March 8, 1978
Coming Out of the Shadows
Linda Bright's Murder
 Selling Magazines


**** Archive ****

1964 - 1987 Archive

1964-1987
MEDIA COVERAGE
DOOR-TO-DOOR TRAVELING SALES CREWS
Media Coverage 1964 - 1987
Posted 03/12/05

Archives


August 17, 1958
Fugitive couple attack LAPD officer, August 17, 1958
The Daily Mirror
Larry Harnisch Reflects on L.A.'s Crime and Cops From 50 Years Ago
Read This Story
LA Times Blog
Posted 08/18/08

June 18, 1951
Slamming the Door
The Green River Ordinance
Time Magazine On-Line Archive
Posted 04/17/05

June 6, 1948
Buy – or Else
Detroit Free Press
Detroit Free Press
Free Press on June 6, 1948
Buy – or Else
New York – (U.P.) – A Chicago magazine salesman,
Roy Simpson, was held on charges of stabbing a woman who refused to buy a subscription.

Jan. 5-8, 1927
Magazine Salesman Chargerd With Murder
SHELBY COUNTY, TN - Newspapers
SALESMAN IS CHARGED WITH SLAYING NEGRO--R.L.GILMORE,33
SHELBY COUNTY, TN - Newspapers
The Memphis Press Scimitar Jan. 5-8, 1927

--------------------------------------



Breaking News 2009


March 26, 2009: Wisconsin Passes 'Malinda's Act'

On March 24, 2009 Malinda's Traveling Sales Crew Protection Act (SB-4)
was passed by the Wisconsin Senate (27-6)
and by the Wisconsin House of Representatives (68-30)
On March 26, 2009 Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle signed the bill into law.

For more information please contact Wisconsin State Senator Jon Erpenbach

Web Site: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/senate/sen27/news
Senator Jon Erpenbach
8 South, State Capitol
P.O. Box 7882
Madison, WI 53707-7882
(608)266-6670 or toll-free (888) 549-0027
Fax: (608) 266-2508
E-mail: Sen.Erpenbach@legis.wi.gov

Read Press Release
More information on the new legislation can also be found on this web site.

"Malinda's Act" becomes active in the state of Wisconsin on April 10, 2010.


Dedicated Memorial Info Clip:

Yarmouth, Massachusetts Passes Strict Door-to-Door Sales 'No Knock'
Solicitation Ordinance/Regulations
DOOR TO DOOR BY-LAW-codified.htm
Read This New 'No Knock' Solicitation Law

For more information:
Contact: Officer Frank Frederickson
Yarmouth, Massachusetts Police Department
http://www.yarmouth.ma.us/index.aspx?NID=128
Yarmouth, Massachusetts:
http://www.yarmouth.ma.us


St. Louis, Missouri
Magazine salesman offers drugs to teen girl,
father hits magazine salesman with metal pipe
 DMPG Info:
Magazine Sales Company:
New Generation
A.K.A.:
New Generation #001
New Edition #003
Team USA #009
Momentum Sales #010
Summit Sales #015
Next Generation Sales #017
Prospector Sales #018
TKO Sales #019
Magazine Clearinghouse:
United Subscription Agency
Website: mytraveljob.com
http://www.mytraveljob.com
Click here for additional info
on United Subscriptions Agency
 United Subscriptions Agency
is a member of the National Field Selling Association (NFSA)
http://www.nfsa.com/
 end dmpg info
June 30, 2009
06.30.2009 6:29 pm
St. Charles police:
Magazine salesman offers drugs to teen girl,
father hits magazine salesman with metal pipe
By Shane Anthony
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Update 6:51 p.m. Wednesday: Court records show McCormack was on probation for a felony drug possession case involving a prescription painkiller.

St. Charles police say a magazine salesman offered a teenager drugs, prompting the girl’s father to hunt him down and beat him with a metal pipe.

Both men have been charged with felonies.

It started last Thursday, police said, when William J. Bishop, 21, knocked on the door of a home in the 200 block of Brookdale Drive. He was working for a traveling magazine sales company called “New Generation,” they said.

Bishop later told police he was homeless and gave them an address for his father in Honor, Mich.

Detective Derek Piasecki said a 15-year-old girl answered Bishop’s knock, and he offered her an anti-anxiety drug if she would let him perform a sexual favor. The girl told police Bishop also offered to buy her beer, and he touched her inappropriately. Then, he left.

The girl called her father, Daniel S. McCormack, 41, of St. Charles, police said, and he tracked down Bishop in the 100 block of Paula Drive. McCormack hit Bishop with a two-foot-long metal pipe.

McCormack admitted to using the pipe, although he told police he only hit Bishop in the leg. Police said Bishop had several head injuries, and McCormack bragged to them about Bishop “getting what he deserved.”

Police said they found prescription drugs on Bishop, who admitted he wasn’t supposed to have them. He has been charged with possession of a controlled substance.

McCormack has been charged with assault.
By Shane Anthony
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
stltoday.com
St. Louis, Missouri
Read This Story


AARP - Scam Alert!
Scam Alert: Door-to-Door Sales Scams Heating Up
 June 29, 2009
Scam Alert: Door-to-Door Sales Scams Heating Up
By: Sid Kirchheimer | Source: AARP Bulletin Today | June 29, 2009
Summer’s here, and it’s the season for young scammers to start making their neighborhood rounds. In central Ohio, a charmer calling himself James Williams falsely claimed to be raising money for new uniforms for his high school football team. He collected not only cash at the houses he visited but also the names and phone numbers of his victims.

In West Virginia, a salesman sold coupon books offering discounts at area businesses to benefit a youth achievement program at an area college. At $5 each, they seemed to be a great deal. Unfortunately, the coupons—like his story—were bogus.

But the most common scheme is a summer classic: door-to-door deceivers selling subscriptions for magazines that never arrive.

Since May 2008, the Better Business Bureau has received some 1,100 complaints from consumers in 46 states and the District of Columbia about student-age scammers selling magazines door to door.

‘Prices of magazine subscriptions sold door to door, for instance, are often marked up about 300 percent.’

This season is expected to be a banner year for these young con artists, who often bilk their victims of hundreds of dollars.

“The sales reps might claim to be a neighborhood youth trying to raise money for charity, a school trip, or even for troops in Iraq,” explains BBB spokeswoman Alison Southwick. “The victim pays with a check on the spot, but the magazines never arrive.” Neither do any refunds requested from the 50 companies employing those sales crews.

What’s more, your signed check provides the dupers with your bank account and routing number. Or, if you don’t use fraud-preventing gel ink pens, cellophane tape can be placed over the front and back of your signature and the check can be “washed” with acetone to remove everything else you’ve written—leaving a blank, signed check that can be used to steal more of your money.

Practice these defensive strategies:

• Don’t buy. Whenever strangers come knocking, don’t buy their stories or their products. Prices of magazine subscriptions sold door to door, for instance, are often marked up about 300 percent. If you really want a magazine, ask the salesman for an order form and investigate the company at the Better Business Bureau’s website.

Although rip-off vendors often change their names, some to avoid include Trinity Public Relations and Seedtime Publications in South Carolina, Prestige Sales in Arizona, Omni Horizons in Indiana, True Visions in Virginia, Greater Image Inc. in Memphis, Tenn., and Seattle-based Fresh Start Opportunities. All have generated dozens to hundreds of complaints and have an “F” rating with the BBB.

• Cancel quickly. If you make a purchase at your door or elsewhere and want to cancel it, act quickly: The Federal Trade Commission dictates a three-day cancellation allowance for a full refund on purchases over $25. (Legitimate salesmen must reveal this rule during their pitch; if they don’t, assume it’s a scam.) If you have a receipt, the company must provide a refund within 10 days of receiving your mailed cancellation notice. Report violators to the FTC, the BBB and your state attorney general.

• Close the door. Never allow a hot and sweaty “sales rep” into your home. “While the resident is in the kitchen getting them a glass of water, often the solicitor is stealing their medication, checkbooks and wallets,” says Phil Ellenbecker, who runs a website that tracks door-to-door scams and other crimes. So far this decade, at least 300 felonies—including rape and murder—have been committed by traveling sales crews against residents and fellow crew members.

--------------------------------

Sid Kirchheimer is the author of Scam-Proof Your Life (AARP Books/Sterling).
By: Sid Kirchheimer | Source: AARP Bulletin Today
http://bulletin.aarp.org
Read This Story


North Tonawanda, New York
BLOTTER: Police reports published June 27
 June 26, 2009
BLOTTER: Police reports published June 27
The Tonawanda News
City of Tonawanda
Published: June 26, 2009 10:00 pm
Town of Tonawanda

PEDDLING: Dwight S. Jakes was charged with peddling without a permit at 5:40 p.m. Thursday. Jakes allegedly went door to door selling magazines without the proper permit. Jakes in being held in lieu of $100 bail.

PEDDLING: Willy L. Bounds was charged with peddling without a permit at 7:19 p.m. Thursday. Bounds allegedly went door to door selling magazines without the proper permit. Jakes in being held in lieu of $100 bail.
By Josh Bickford
EastBayRI.com
eastbayri.com
East Bay Newspapers
Bristol, Rhode Island
Read This Story


Clinton, Iowa
Trial dates set in two civil cases
 June 26, 2009
Trial dates set in two civil cases
By Charlene Bielema
Herald Editor
Clinton Herald
Published: June 26, 2009 09:47 am
CLINTON — Trial dates have been set for two civil lawsuits filed in Clinton County District Court.

The parents of DeWitt teen Marshall Roberts, who was killed in a van accident 10 years ago, are suing an insurance company as they seek damages in connection with their son's death. The trial is set to begin 9 a.m. Feb. 8, 2010, with a settlement conference slated for 10:30 a.m. Jan. 8, 2010.

In the lawsuit filed in February, Albert and Deanna Roberts, who are administrators of their late son’s estate, are suing Iowa Mutual Insurance Company and are seeking a jury trial.

Marshall was a passenger in a vehicle that was being driven by Jeremy Holmes, of Clinton, near Janesville, Wis., on March 25, 1999. Holmes was attempting to switch places with another passenger when they lost control of the vehicle and the vehicle barrel rolled several times, killing seven people and injuring five. They were working for a company selling magazine subscriptions.

At the time of the accident, Albert and Deanna Roberts were insured by Iowa Mutual Insurance Co. for bodily injuries caused by the fault of an owner or operator of an underinsured motor vehicle. In the lawsuit, they state that Jeremy Holmes was the owner or operator of an underinsured motor vehicle and that as a direct result of Holmes’s negligence, careless and reckless conduct, Marshall Roberts incurred expenses and experience pain and suffering mental anguish and loss of future earning capacity. The couple state that as the parents, they also incurred expenses on behalf of their child and they have a claim for loss of society and companionship and for the loss of value to his estate.

They state that Holmes is legally liable for the teen's bodily injuries and the couple’s damages. While the Robertses had settled with Holmes for the policy limits of his insurance policy, they say their damages exceed the amount of the recovery from Holmes.

The couple state they are entitled to recover from Iowa Mutual Insurance Co. the amount by which their damages exceeded the policy limits of Holmes up to their policy limits of $100,000.

Also set is a trial dated concerning a lawsuit filed by the husband and children of a Clinton woman who are suing three local medical facilities and three doctors, claiming they all played a role in her premature death.

Robert Mowery Jr., as administrator to the estate of Connie Mowery, and Connie Mowery’s children, Trina Holman, Dewayne Patterson and Starlena Patterson, are suing Drs. Jeffrey Hallman, Joseph Monahan III and Oduah Daniel Osaro, Medical Associates, Mercy Medical Center-Clinton and Clinton Urgent Care.

The lawsuit was filed in February. That trial is set to start at 9 a.m. June 7, 2010. A settlement conference is scheduled for 1L:30 p.m. May 6, 2010.

According to court documents, Connie Mowery died March 21, 2007, six days after Hallman, a radiologist, interpreted imaging files of her left knee. At that time, Mowery had gone to Mercy’s emergency room with significant left knee pain and a history of arthritis. She told the medical staff that she had been sick for the past couple of days with body aches, chills and vomiting. Court documents state that even though her blood work came back with a very high white blood count, she was not admitted to the hospital but released to go home with instructions to see her family physician.

On Friday, March 16, 2007, she went to see Osaro, her family physician. The lawsuit claims that she was turned away by Osaro’s office because of an alleged unpaid medical bill.

She went to Medical Associates on March 19, 2007. While there, Mowery had a neurological event and was rushed to Mercy Medical Center then transferred to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for further treatment. She remained there until her death.
By Charlene Bielema
Herald Editor
Clinton Herald
clintonherald.com
Clinton, Iowa
Read This Story


Barrington, Rhode Island
Peddlers beware in Barrington — permit needed
 June 25, 2009
Peddlers beware in Barrington — permit needed
Two more out-of-towners arrested for selling magazines without a permit
By Josh Bickford
6/25/09 10:14AM
EastBayRI.com
BARRINGTON — The message seems pretty clear from the Barrington Police Department: If you’re going to try to sell magazines door-to-door in this town, you better get a permit. On Tuesday, June 16, police charged two men, Matthew Edward Shipman, 22, of Gig Harbor, Wash., and Christopher Neil Mercer, 25, of Circleville, Ohio, with hawking or peddling goods without a permit. The two men were on Annawamscutt Road. Local police have responded to a number of calls for people selling items door-to-door. Officers have charged five people — all from outside the state — and issued warnings to two others. According to Barrington Police Chief John LaCross, the problem is that the individuals or the companies that hired them failed to receive the proper permit from the town hall. He said the permit costs $25 and provides local officials with the names of those going door-to-door and the neighborhoods they plan to visit.
By Josh Bickford
EastBayRI.com
eastbayri.com
East Bay Newspapers
Bristol, Rhode Island
Read This Story


Lowell, Massachusetts
Police: Door-to-door salesmen can be subscription for trouble
 DMPG Info:
Magazine Sales Company:
Paragon Sales
Owner: Andre M. Walker
Clearinghouse:
Midwest Sales
Owner: Andre M. Walker
Website:
 http://www.midwestclearing.com
Midwest Clearing, Inc.
3649 W 183rd St.
Suite 101
Hazel Crest, IL 60429
phone (708) 206-2001
fax (708) 206-2005
end dmpg info
 June 24, 2009
Police: Door-to-door salesmen can be subscription for trouble
By Robert Mills, rmills@lowellsun.com
Updated: 06/24/2009 06:38:05 AM EDT
The Sun
lowellsun.com
LOWELL -- They are just door-to-door salesmen, asking people to buy magazine subscriptions. But in the past two years, one was arrested for allegedly assaulting two Lowell police officers, and another charged with vandalizing 15 vehicles downtown.

In 2004, one was accused of raping and urinating on a 34-year-old Plymouth woman after walking into her home.

Last year, in Cook County, Ill., one was charged with home invasion and aggravated sexual assault for attacking an 86-year-old woman.

Scary stories emerge when you research door-to-door magazine salesmen. This week Lowell police sent out an internal memo warning officers that salesmen are once again canvassing the city.

Attempting to sell door-to-door without a permit violates state law and city ordinances, according to Lowell Police Capt. Randall Humphrey, and that makes for easy instructions for anyone who finds themselves face-to-face with such a salesman.

Ask to see a permit, he advises. If one isn't produced, call police.

"We stress to call the police," Humphrey said.

Laws on door-to-door solicitation varies by community. In Lowell, doing it without a permit is an arrestable offense.

Chelmsford Police Chief James Murphy offers Chelmsford residents the same advice as Humphrey.

"We'll certainly be on the watch for this group," Murphy said in an e-mail.

Furthermore, Humphrey suggested that if you get a knock on the door from someone you don't know, there is no need to answer.

Lowell City Clerk Richard Johnson said no one has attempted to obtain a permit for door-to-door magazine sales recently. Part of the process to obtain such a permit includes a criminal background check by Lowell police.

Police in Burlington say several such salesmen identified in their town had lengthy criminal records.

Earlier this month, Pelham police found a salesman with a felony arrest warrant out of Georgia. Authorities there wouldn't extradite him, so Pelham police had to let him go, according to Chief Joseph Roark.

Roark said officers in his town identified the salesmen and kept track of their routes before they eventually moved on.

Already this year in Lowell, Shawn Woodard, 26, of Chicago, was charged with causing a false fire alarm at 200 Market St., and with vandalizing 15 cars in the parking lot there, Humphrey said. He told police he works for Paragon Sales of Chicago.

Woodard was arrested Friday and charged with malicious destruction of property, disorderly conduct, causing a false fire alarm, and giving a false name to police.

Humphrey said other vehicles were vandalized in the area under similar circumstances, though Woodard was not charged.

Last year, Keylon Andrews, 22, of Indianapolis, was arrested on Rae Street in Belvidere, after neighbors called police.

Police said Andrews told officers he didn't need a permit. When they corrected him, Andrews allegedly punched two officers in the head.

According to an arrest report, Andrews worked for Paragon Sales, 3649 183rd St., Hazel Crest, Ill.

That address actually belongs to Midwest Clearing, another magazine company, which according to the Illinois Secretary of State's Office is run by Andre M. Walker, the same man who runs Paragon. Online records indicate that Paragon and Midwest are "not in good standing" with state officials in Illinois, though a spokesman said such a listing is usually caused by paperwork issues.

Midwest Clearing is accredited by the Better Business Bureau. A profile of the company says it is not rated, and that there have been 38 complaints filed against the company in the last 36 months, most dealing with refund and billing issues, and sales practices.

A telephone number for Paragon Sales could not be located. A man who answered the telephone at Midwest referred a reporter to another telephone number yesterday, but no one returned a message left at that number.

A Sept. 2, 2008 press release from the sheriff's office in Cook County, Ill., says a magazine salesman working for Midwest Clearing was charged with home invasion and aggravated sexual assault after he broke into the home of an 86-year-old woman.

The Patriot Ledger of Quincy wrote a series of stories in 2004 detailing the lengthy criminal record of a man who raped and urinated on a 34-year-old mentally retarded woman in Plymouth, after he went to her house selling magazines.

That man, Benjamin E. Turner, 43, of Chicago, worked for Paragon Management Inc., a company the Patriot Ledger reported sold magazines for Midwest Clearing. Following the sexual assault, Turner sold the woman $150 worth of magazine subscriptions, the paper reported.

A spokesman for Attorney General Martha Coakley said there is no record of complaints against either Paragon Sales or Paragon Management filed with the office in the past year.
By Robert Mills, rmills@lowellsun.com
The Sun
lowellsun.com
Lowell, Massachusetts
Read This Story


Ames, Iowa
Man arrested in magazine-sales sexual assault
 DMPG Info:
Magazine Sales Company:
Points Across America
A.K.A.: Entrepreneurs Across America, Inc.
Owner: GEORGE FREDERICK SENNER IV
end dmpg info
 June 24, 2009
Man arrested in magazine-sales sexual assault
By Luke Jennett
Staff Writer
The Tribune
Published: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 10:47 AM CDT
A California man was arrested in Ames this weekend after allegedly cornering a woman in her apartment and writing his name on her chest.

Brandon Arthur McCarron, 22, of Santa Monica, is charged with assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, an aggravated misdemeanor, and a transient merchant violation.

Police say that on June 20, 2009, they responded to a caller in an apartment at 1209 North Dakota Ave. When they arrived, the victim told police that a man selling magazines had come into her apartment and cornered her before writing his name on her chest without her permission.

The victim told police she’d felt threatened and scared from the act.

The suspect also said he wanted to sign his name elsewhere on her body, the victim said, told her twice that he wanted to have sex with her and claimed he’d “make it worth her while.” The victim asked the man, whom she later identified as McCarron, to leave her apartment and said she didn’t want to have sex with him. McCarron, according to court documents, is employed by Points Across America, which the complaint notes isn’t licensed to sell in Iowa or in Ames. The company has been criticized on the Internet as being a scam.

Cmdr. Mike Brennan of the Ames Police Department said he couldn’t speak to the validity of the company itself, but said that anyone selling magazine subscriptions or other goods without first registering with the city is committing a municipal infraction.

Unregistered peddlers are a repeat problem every summer, Brennan said, and this year has been no exception; the Ames Police Department has been inundated with calls about suspicious magazine sellers and the like.

“We encourage people, if somebody comes to the door, to not just let them in,” Brennan said. “If someone does legitimately register with the city, they should have an ID badge with them with a photo and the city’s logo on it, but very few of these merchants go in and get them. So if you’ve got someone at your door and they don’t have one of those, it’s probably best not to do business with them.”

In past years, he said, police have gotten an idea of how many of these groups operate; they are generally given a ride into town in a van or large vehicle, dropped off at a central location, and told their ride home will be back later in the day. Then they split up and start hitting the neighborhoods.

A lot of the time, Brennan said, the companies use teenage or college-age kids who say they’re earning points for a prize.

Brennan stressed caution to anyone receiving an unknown solicitor at their doors.

“Be careful who you let into your house,” he said. “For me, unless they’ve got a pizza in their hands, they’re not coming through the door.”

Luke Jennett can be reached at (515) 663-6919 or ljennett@amestrib.com.
By Luke Jennett
Staff Writer
The Tribune
amestrib.com
Ames, Iowa
Read This Story


Portland, Oregon
Police nab salesman wanted in Ala. home invasion
 June 24, 2009
Police nab salesman wanted in Ala. home invasion
06/24/2009
Associated Press
NewsChannel 8 Portland
KGW-TV
kgw.com
A door-to-door magazine salesman sought in connection with the robbery of an elderly couple in Ozark, Ala., has been arrested in Saco by the Southern Maine Violent Crimes Task Force. Nineteen-year-old Benjamin Carroll of Dothan, Ala., who was arrested Wednesday, was wanted on charges of burglary, kidnapping and robbery in the May 20 home invasion. Carroll was one of seven salesmen arrested Tuesday in Portland for failing to obtain a license for transient sales of consumer merchandise. The Portland Press Herald said the seven, all employed by a company in Washington state, were released on bail before the warrant for Carroll was entered into the National Crime Information Center database. Police had responded to complaints that the salesmen were very aggressive in trying to sell magazines and were acting suspiciously.
___
Information from: Portland Press Herald, http://www.pressherald.com
Associated Press
NewsChannel 8 Portland
KGW-TV
kgw.com
Read This Story


Madison, Wisconsin
'Gyrating' magazine salesman, co-workers cited for selling without a permit
 Magazine Sales Company:
Face to Face Technologies
A.K.A.: Great Lakes Circulation
 June 24, 2009
'Gyrating' magazine salesman, co-workers cited for selling without a permit
The Capital Times — 6/24/2009 7:58 am
madison.com
Three men were cited for selling magazines without a permit and trespassing after allegedly disturbing residents of a local apartment complex Monday afternoon. On Monday afternoon, police responded to a call from an apartment building on 600 block of Mendota Court reporting that several men were attempting to sell magazine subscriptions without a permit. According to police reports, the solicitors told officers they are employed by Face to Face Technologies, a Colorado-based company. The men said they are staying in a hotel in Rockford, Ill, and were supposed to meet at the McDonald's on Regent Street later that evening in order to get a ride back. Johnathan A. Hull, 23, of Lancaster, Ohio; Layne A. Watson, 20, of Tempe, Ariz.; and Edward G. Dorsett, 26, of Pittsburgh, Pa. were all cited for soliciting without a permit and unlawful trespassing. Hull was also cited with disorderly conduct for putting his hands on top of his head, gyrating his hips, and yelling "Woo," actions which disturbed a 26-year-old resident of the apartment complex. According to reports, Hull told police he was just "trying to get positive."
The Capital Times — 6/24/2009 7:58 am
The Capital Times
madison.com
Madison, Wisconsin
Read This Story


Central, Northern and Western Arizona
BBB Reliability Report for
Integrity Sales LLC
 Magazine Sales Company:
Integrity Sales LLC
 June 24, 2009
BBB Reliability Report for
Integrity Sales LLC
BBB Reliability Report for
Integrity Sales LLC

Rating: F

BBB issues Reliability Reports on all businesses, whether or not they are BBB accredited. If a business is a BBB Accredited Business, it is stated in this report.

BBB Accreditation

This business is not a BBB Accredited Business.

BBB Rating
Based on BBB files, this business has a BBB Rating of F

Reasons for this F rating include:

79 complaints filed against business
Failure to respond to 13 complaints filed against business
Length of time business has taken to resolve complaint(s)
BBB does not have sufficient background information on this business
Complaints are concerning selling practices.
Specifically, customers allege oral misrepresentations were made during the company's sales presentations.
Complaints also concern customer service issues and difficulty obtaining refunds.

Business Contact & Profile

Business Name: Integrity Sales LLC
Business Address: P.O. Box 10025
Glendale, AZ 85318
See the location on a Mapquest Map
See the location on a Google Map
Principal: Chuck Richardson, Customer Relations
Phone Number: (877) 249-9075
(888) 293-5840
Fax Number: (602) 375-2440
BBB Accreditation: This business is not a BBB Accredited Business
Type of Business: MAGAZINE SALES
Website Address: http://www.integritysale.com

Business Management
Mr. Robert K. Spruiell , Member
Ms. Jodi Sterling
Mr. Chuck Richardson , Customer Relations
Ms. Karleen H. Spruiell , Member
Mr. Robert Spruiell is the owner of several other companies in BBB files. The Bureau has a separate report for each company. The companies are Magazine Fulfillment Services, SKS Services, Services Unlimited Plus, Credit Recoveries, NRA Construction, Old World Elegance, Mags R US LLC, Mag Fun LLC, RNGNG Home Builders, National Circulation Services LLC, Circulation II LLC, American Circulation Services and Prestige Sales, LLC.

Customer Complaint History

When considering complaint information, please take into account the business's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.

BBB processed a total of 79 complaint(s) about this business in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period. Of the total 79 complaint(s) closed in the last 36 months, 7 were closed in the last 12 months.

These complaints concerned:

2 regarding Advertising Issues
1 regarding Advertisement misrepresented a product
1 regarding Advertising Issues

1 regarding Billing or Collection Issues
1 regarding Billing or Collection Issues
4 regarding Contract Disputes
2 regarding Contract Disputes
2 regarding Failure to honor a contract or agreement

33 regarding Delivery Issues
13 regarding Delivery Issues
20 regarding Non-delivery of products

1 regarding Product Issues
1 regarding Product Issues

7 regarding Refund Or Exchange Issues
2 regarding Failure to honor promised refunds, exchanges, or credit
5 regarding Refund Or Exchange Issues

30 regarding Selling Practices
1 regarding None of the Above - Indicate Sales Complaint Issue
3 regarding Sales presentation misrepresented the product
1 regarding Sales presentation misrepresented the service
8 regarding Sales presentation used dishonest sales practices
17 regarding Selling Practices

1 regarding Service Issues
1 regarding Improper or inferior service

These complaints were closed as:

13 No Response
12 Company failed to respond to the BBB or to the consumer to resolve the issues.
1 No Response

66 Resolved
21 Resolved
4 Assumed Resolved
1 BBB determined that despite the company's effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
3 BBB determined the company made a reasonable offer to resolve the issues, but the consumer did not accept the offer.
10 Company resolved the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to the BBB.
25 Company resolved the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to the BBB.
1 Delayed Response
1 Resolved

Government Action(s)

BBB has no information regarding government actions at this time.

Advertising Review
BBB has no information regarding advertising review at this time.

BBB Copyright and Reporting Policy
As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business.

BBB Reliability Reports are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment.
Information in this BBB Reliability Report is believed reliable, but not guaranteed as to accuracy.

BBB Reliability Reports generally cover a three-year reporting period.
BBB Reliability Reports are subject to change at any time.

If you choose to do business with this business, please let the business know that you contacted the BBB for a BBB Reliability Report.

Report as of: 6/24/2009 Copyright © 2009 Better Business Bureau®, Inc. serving Central, Northern and Western Arizona
BBB
our.bbb.org
Central, Northern and Western Arizona
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Billings, Montana
Suspect on probation faces more charges
 June 23, 2009
Suspect on probation faces more charges
By BECKY SHAY
Of The Gazette Staff
Billings Gazette
billingsgazette.net
Published on Tuesday, June 23, 2009.
Last modified on 6/23/2009 at 6:33 pm
A Billings man on probation for his role in a home invasion robbery in 2003 is back in jail. Tyson James Heisler, 24, was arrested Saturday after running from police who were trying to talk to him about a theft investigation. When police approached Heisler at a bar on Laurel Road, he told them his name was Joshua James Hefner, gave a birth date eight year later than his own and a Social Security number with an additional digit, prosecutors said. The officers went to a car with him to get his identification, but Heisler walked around the car trying to get away from them, according to court documents. Realizing the Social Security number was fake, officers went to arrest Heisler, who "launched himself into the casino" and threw bar stools to slow the pursuing police, documents state. Heisler ran out the back door and kept running while throwing off his hat and shoes. Heisler collapsed on King Avenue East and was arrested. He continued to refuse to give his name. During a standard search at the jail, officers found a small plastic baggie of suspected methamphetamine under his right foot, prosecutors said. On Monday, Heisler was charged with felony possession of dangerous drugs and misdemeanor counts of obstructing a peace officer and resisting arrest. He is being held on $25,000 bond and is expected to enter a plea in District Court on Thursday. Details about the other theft investigation were not available Monday, but prosecutors said it is continuing. Heisler was sentenced in 2003 to eight years in prison for his role in the robbery of a man in his home on Mount Rushmore Avenue. Prosecutors said Heisler and two others posed as magazine salesmen and forced their way into the house, then used a gun to rob the owner. He pleaded guilty to felony robbery by accountability and was sentenced to 10 years in prison with two years suspected. He was given a suspended sentence for felony burglary. Judge G. Todd Baugh recommended Heisler to the state book camp program. Inmates who successfully complete the program have the remainder of their prison sentences suspended. Heisler is a registered violent offender.
By BECKY SHAY
Of The Gazette Staff
Billings Gazette
billingsgazette.net
Billings, Montana
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Allentown, Pennsylvania
'Magazine salesmen' help themselves, not the troops
 June 22, 2009
'Magazine salesmen' help themselves, not the troops
By Tim Darragh | Of The Morning Call
June 22, 2009
The scam: Colonial Regional police issued a warning recently about magazine scammers in Hanover Township, Northampton County, neighborhoods.

Police said they received ''numerous reports'' of two men going door-to-door claiming to be selling magazines to fund a college trip. The magazines, they also say, are to be sent to U.S. troops stationed overseas.

How it works: It's hard not to be moved to do something to help the soldiers overseas. That, of course, is why thieves use the ploy. According to a police report, the two men claim to be from the neighborhood, but are not. They do not have a license to sell door-to-door.

In one case, police said, a resident found items missing from his home after the ''salesmen'' visited. It's one of the oldest rip-offs in the book: One scammer distracts a homeowner with their wares, while the other takes whatever he can get his hands on.

What to do: Colonial Regional police urge residents not to let the salesmen into their homes. Instead, contact police immediately if you see them.

Call 610-330-2200 or 610-317-0808. If anyone has given the men money, they should call police and plan to file a report.

If you really want to help the troops, go to the Operation Shoebox Web site or do a search on ''send soldiers a care package.'' Check out the organizations before you send money -- and then choose from the many options.

We've Got Your Back is a column warning the public about frauds and other illegal activities against consumers.
If you want to report a scam, contact gotyourback@mcall.com or call 610-820-6590.
By Tim Darragh | Of The Morning Call
mcall.com
Allentown, Pennsylvania
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Castle Rock, Colorado
Are salesmen knocking on your door?
 June 19, 2009
Are salesmen knocking on your door?
Contributed by: Town of Castle Rock on 6/19/2009
YourHub.com > Castle Rock
denver.yourhub.com
The season for door-to-door sales is here, but residents can opt out

In addition to temperatures, the number of individuals requesting a solicitor's license also increases this time of year. In the last two weeks, more than 40 licenses have been issued.

That also means that the Town is receiving an increasing number of complaints from residents about solicitors knocking on their doors despite their addresses being listed on the No Knock list.

If a solicitor knocks at your door without a Town solicitor's license, outside the allowed hours or in conflict with your No Knock status, immediately call the Town's Police Dispatch Center, 303-663-6100. Dispatch will send an officer to investigate. It is important to call immediately following the offense, as it is difficult to investigate once the alleged offender has left the area.

Town Council last year approved this solicitation ordinance, allowing for the creation of a No Knock list and requiring solicitors to obtain a license.

Solicitors are prohibited under Town code from knocking at addresses on the list or on doors where "No Solicitation" notices are posted. Regardless of an address' status, solicitation only is allowed in Castle Rock between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Please note that the ordinance does not prohibit solicitors from hanging fliers on residents' doors - just knocking on them. About 1,400 Town addresses currently are on the No Knock list.

Solicitors also must be licensed. The license, known as a Certificate of Registration, is $35 and is obtained through the Town Clerk's Office. Solicitors must obtain the license each year.

Registered solicitors must present a license upon a resident's request. The certificate includes the licensee's name, photograph, company name, expiration date and the Town seal.

Nonprofit groups such as school and scout groups are not required to obtain a license, nor are canvassers. However, anyone going door-to-door for any purpose must comply with the restrictions on hours and abide by the No Knock list. Copies of the list are available through the Town Clerk's Office. The list also is posted on the Town's Web site and updated weekly.

Residents must renew their No Knock status at the beginning of each calendar year.

You can confirm whether your address is on the No Knock list from the Town's Web site, CRgov.com. Click on No Knock List in the left-side menu. Once on the No Knock page, download the No Knock pdf. to verify whether your address is there. If your address isn't listed, you can be added to the list by contacting Town Clerk Sally Misare, 303-660-1367 or smisare@CRgov.com.

You'll need to give your name, address, phone number and e-mail address. Names and contact information are for record-keeping purposes and will not be released.

Solicitors needing information on the licensing process should contact Deputy Town Clerk Janet Turbett, 303-660-1370 or jturbett@CRgov.com.

Angela Copeland is community relations manager for the Town of Castle Rock.
Contributed by: Town of Castle Rock
YourHub.com > Castle Rock
denver.yourhub.com
Castle Rock, Colorado
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Watch for unscrupulous door-to-door magazine sales
 June 18, 2009
Watch for unscrupulous door-to-door magazine sales
Anthony Giorgianni
Consumer Reports
blogs.consumerreports.org
June 18, 2009
A young person comes to your door peddling magazine subscriptions. Maybe you’re told the proceeds will be used for a school trip, a charity, or to help troops in Iraq. Who wouldn’t be eager to help?

Hopefully you.

The Better Business Bureau says it has received more than 1,000 complaints from nearly every state about crews of young people who go door-to-door selling magazines, especially during the summer. Most of the complaints allege that the sales reps took a check as payment but the magazines never arrived. But some people also alleged being subjected to high-pressure and misleading sales tactics.”

These young door-to-door people often are employed by companies that force them to live in substandard conditions and work long hours. Wages often are withheld, the BBB said.

No matter who is trying to sell you magazine subscriptions, warns the Federal Trade Commission, be especially careful of door-to-door magazine salespeople who:

•Encourage you to buy based on a weekly price instead of the total cost

•Tell you that magazines are “free” or “prepaid” and that you’ll be charged only a processing fee

•Don’t identify themselves or their companies, leading you to believe that they’re representing the magazine publishers.

OTHER SAFEGUARDS:

Check the company. Before buying, research the company with the Better Business Bureau. Among the door-to-door magazine companies that have received the BBB’s lowest, “F” rating are: Fresh Start Opportunities of Seattle, Washington; Greater Image Inc. of Holly Springs, Miss; Omni-Horizons Inc. of Michigan City, Indiana; and Prestige Sales of Phoenix, Ariz.

Ask questions. How long will the subscription last? How will you be billed? How many magazines will you receive? What are your cancellation rights?

Read the contract. Ask for a contract before you sign up, and read it carefully.

Use a credit card. It’s easier contesting a credit card payment than one made with cash, a check or debit card. Remember that the Federal Trade Commission’s Cooling-Off Rule gives you three days to cancel purchases of more than $25 made in your home or a location other than the seller’s normal place of business. Sellers must notify you that you have that right.

Complain. If you’re victimized, complain to the BBB, local law enforcement, and your state attorney general or consumer protection office.

–Anthony Giorgianni
Anthony Giorgianni
Consumer Reports
blogs.consumerreports.org
Read This Story


Brazill, Indiana
New scam is knocking at your door
 Magazine Sales Company:
Lrumar Publications LLC
 June 17, 2009
Follow up on possible local scam
Kate Greene
News 10 - WTHI
Updated: Thursday, 18 Jun 2009, 11:54 PM EDT
Published : Thursday, 18 Jun 2009, 11:54 PM EDT
BRAZIL, Ind. (WTHI) - News 10 first brought you this story on Tuesday when Peter Choyman of Brazil, Indiana said Lrumar Publications out of Falcon, Colorado was selling magazines door-to-door in Brazil last Sunday.

Choyman said he purchased one magazine and when the salesman left, he noticed his wallet had been stolen.

News 10 spoke with the owner of the company Kevin Davis on Wednesday. He claims his Lrumar Publications is not a scam and the stolen wallet is an isolated incident.

Lrumar Publications owner Kevin Davis said he's been in business 1988.

"You can google the company and we have two items on there, one is from the Better Business Bureau, one is from Yreka, California and one is from you news station," owner Kevin Davis said.

News 10 went to the Better Business Bureau website and found that Lrumar Publications is not accredited with the BBB.

In fact, it has a rating of an "F" with 16 complaints with five of those unresolved.

We also found the company listed on the "Caution List" of the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado; meaning they have failed to respond to the complaints.

The newspaper article in Yreka, California said a resident was concerned he may have been scammed because he never received his magazine.

"A member of my company called Chief Brian Bowles in Yreka, and this is one incident and come to find out we did research the guy wrote us a bad check so he didn't receive any magazines," Davis said.

News 10 called the Chief of Police Brian Bowles in Yreka, California. He emailed us this statement, "In regards to the New paper article dated Tuesday June 16, 2009. I have not spoken to the owner or employee of Lrumar Publications about this incident."

As for the alleged theft in Brazil, Davis said he is working with the Brazil Police Department.

"What I know at this point is that we have a wallet that's been stolen, some body's been accused and we're tracking that down," Brazil Police Chief David Archer said.

Chief Archer told News 10 the company did not have a soliciting permit for the city of Brazil. Instead, the company had a permit for the city of Spencer.

News 10 also spoke with the victim, Peter Showman Thursday who claims the check he wrote to the company was cleared on Monday.
Kate Greene
News 10 - WTHI
wthitv.com
Terre Haute, Indiana
Read This Story

DMPG research: Lrumar Publications LLC
Web Site:
http://lrumarpublications.com


Brazill, Indiana
New scam is knocking at your door
 Magazine Sales Company:
Lrumar Publications LLC
 June 17, 2009
New scam is knocking at your door
Magazine sale operation is a scam
Kate Greene
News 10 - WTHI
Updated: Wednesday, 17 Jun 2009, 10:22 AM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 16 Jun 2009, 11:56 PM EDT
BRAZIL, Ind. (WTHI) - Peter Choyman of Brazil said he's been a victim of a scam and of theft, after letting in a solicitor Sunday afternoon.

Choyman said the young clean-cut salesman was selling magazines through Lrumar Publications out of Falcon, Colorado.

"I asked him if I could see his receipt book and read everything on it and it even had some money in it," Choyman said.

The door-to-door magazine sale operation is not what it seems. Choyman said he wrote a check to purchase one magazine. However, it was after the salesman left that he noticed his wallet had been stolen.

News 10 tried calling the number listed on the company's website and it said the mailbox was too full.

Here are a few things to look for the next time someone knocks on your door.

1. Ask to see the soliciting permit from the city.

2. Ask for identification and for the company's information.

3. Officials said even calling the company's number at the time of the sale may help determine if it's a scam or not.

4. Never go into another room, leaving the solicitor alone.

If you or someone you know becomes in contact with Lrumar Publications, LLC. or has ordered something from them contact your local police department.
Kate Greene
News 10 - WTHI
wthitv.com
Terre Haute, Indiana
Read This Story

DMPG research: Lrumar Publications LLC
Web Site:
http://lrumarpublications.com


Brazill, Indiana
Police on lookout for men fraudulently selling magazines in Hanover Township
 Magazine Sales Company:
Lrumar Publications LLC
 June 17, 2009
BCPD investigating scam
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
By IVY JACKSON, Times Staff Reporter
The Brazil Times
Although it appears to be the only incident reported in the past few days, the Brazil City Police Department is investigating another potential scam in Brazil. The investigation began when Brazil resident Peter Choyman reported a door-to-door magazine salesman, whom he let into his home and left alone for a brief moment, allegedly took his wallet Sunday afternoon. ??

Police Chief Dave Archer said that Choyman reported the clean-cut young man was allegedly selling magazine subscriptions for Lrumar Publications, based in Falcon, Colorado.

Archer told The Brazil Times the magazine subscription company has been cooperating with the investigation and an unidentified person of interest is being questioned in the matter. Further details are being withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation.

Archer said this appears to be a single incident, but people need to be cautious when dealing with any situation that brings a stranger to the door of their home.

"People need to be aware of potential scams at all times," Archer said. "Never let a stranger in your house or, if you chose to, never leave them alone. And never provide any personal information."

Officials offer other safety tips when dealing with solicitors, including:

* Talk to the solicitor through the locked door of the home,

* Ask to see the soliciting permit from the city,

* Ask for the solicitor's identification and for the company's information, and

* Tell the solicitor that you are going to call the company's number (while they wait outside) which may help determine if it's a scam or not.

To report information about this case, or any other, contact the Brazil City Police Department at 446-2211.
By IVY JACKSON, Times Staff Reporter
The Brazil Times
thebraziltimes.com
Brazill, Indiana
Read This Story

DMPG research: Lrumar Publications LLC
Web Site:
http://lrumarpublications.com


Port Townsend, Washington
Port Townsend council takes action on peddlers' law
 June 17, 2009
Port Townsend council takes action on peddlers' law
By Erik Hidle
Peninsula Daily News
PORT TOWNSEND -- A new city ordinance would require door-to-door solicitors to obtain a license and background check before they sell their wares.

On Monday, the City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to update what City Manager David Timmons called "outdated codes."

The second reading of the ordinance -- after which it would go into effect -- had not been scheduled Wednesday.

"Right now, we don't have a compliance system," Timmons said. "There is no enforcement [on peddlers in the city.]

"This will update that and give people a way to check up on someone going door to door."

The draft ordinance defines soliciting as any sales done by going from place to place within the city limit.

Along with a background check for a criminal record and a licensing fee of $50, the ordinance also requires solicitors to carry photo identification, obey signs indicating "no soliciting" and operate only between 9 a.m. and dusk.

Exemptions

Exemptions from the licensing fee are in place for political campaigning, farmers selling produce and certain seasonal services, such as lawn mowing.

Also, community-based nonprofits, such as Girl Scouts, will be exempt from the formal licensing process.

They will be issued free organizational certificates allowing them to go door to door.

If the law is approved on a second reading, violators could be fined up to $1,000 and sentenced up to 90 days in jail.

Port Townsend Police Sgt. Ed Green said enforcement would be on case-by-case basis.

"Much like the noise violation ordinance, any infraction would start low but have the potential to move up," Green said.

"Subsequent infractions could elevate charges to that of a misdemeanor."

Green said his department receives "quite a few calls" regarding solicitors.

"Around six a month," Green said.

"That includes people concerned about the legitimacy of a solicitor to people looking to learn the law on how to go about soliciting."

Timmons said that, beyond providing safeguard against a possible nuisance at your door, the ordinance also serves as a public safety barricade.

"It gives people a place to check on a solicitor who comes to your door," he said.

"You never know, if we don't have a background check in place.

"Someone could come to your door, get invited inside, ask to use the restroom and suddenly they are casing the house [to burglarize.]

"This helps prevent people from doing that."

________

Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.
Last modified: June 17. 2009 9:47PM
By Erik Hidle
Peninsula Daily News
peninsuladailynews.com
Port Angeles, Washington
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Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Police on lookout for men fraudulently selling magazines in Hanover Township
 June 17, 2009
Police on lookout for men fraudulently selling magazines in Hanover Township
by Express-Times staff
Express-Times
Wednesday June 17, 2009, 9:44 AM
lehighvalleylive.com
Colonial Regional police are warning Hanover Township residents of two men who have been peddling magazines door-to-door who may be out to rob members of the community. Police say the men claim to live in the neighborhood and tell residents they are selling magazines for a college trip. They claim the magazines are for U.S. troops stationed overseas. Police say the men do not live in the neighborhood and do not have a permit to solicit. One township resident reported items were missing from the home after the two men left, according to a news release. Police ask residents to refrain from inviting these men inside. Police ask anyone who encounters them to call 610-330-2200 or 610-317-0808. They said anyone who has given money to these men should contact police and file a report.
by Express-Times staff
Express-Times
lehighvalleylive.com
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
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Kansas City, Missouri
Traveling salesman charged in bizarre case involving Shawnee woman, husband
 June 17, 2009
Traveling salesman charged in bizarre case involving Shawnee woman, husband
By JOE LAMBE
The Kansas City Star
Posted on Wed, Jun. 17, 2009 06:38 AM
Johnson County prosecutors charged a traveling salesman Tuesday for allegedly holding a Shawnee woman at her home at gunpoint and stealing from her. Police said they are still investigating the man’s claims that the woman’s armed husband forced the salesman to perform a sex act. Alexander J. Gaviltta, 21, of Fresno, Calif., remains in jail today charged with kidnapping, theft, possessing drug paraphernalia and criminal property damage. Police said the Shawnee woman returned home about 6 p.m. Monday and found an armed man in her house. He marched her around, told her he was in charge and left with the couple’s gun, credit cards, jewelry and a Rolex watch, according to police and court records. Shawnee police said Gaviltta soon went to Overland Park police and told them the woman’s husband had invited him in, pulled a gun on him and demanded oral sex. Gaviltta told police, they said, that the husband passed out during the sex act, Gaviltta grabbed the gun and the woman returned home about then.
| Joe Lambe, jlambe@kcstar.com
Posted on Wed, Jun. 17, 2009 06:38 AM
By JOE LAMBE
The Kansas City Star
www.kansascity.com
Kansas City, Missouri
Read This Story

DMPG research into the above incident reveals that the magazine salesman worked for Sierra Solutions out of California. This information was obtained throught the Shawnee Police Department and Capt. Bill Hisle.


Kansas City, Missouri
Shawnee police trying to sort out tale of traveling salesman
 June 16, 2009
Shawnee police trying to sort out tale of traveling salesman
By JOE LAMBE
The Kansas City Star
Posted on Tue, Jun. 16, 2009 03:07 PM
Now they have to make sense of Monday reports about an armed traveling salesman, a drunken husband and his innocent wife.

It started when a Shawnee woman told police that she came home to find an armed man in her house who marched her around, told her he was in charge and left.

Then a traveling magazine salesman went to Overland Park police and told them that that woman’s drunken husband forced him to perform oral sex.

The salesman said the husband had invited him in, pulled a gun, demanded sex and passed out during the act, police said. The salesman then picked up the gun and about that time the wife got home, he told them.

The salesman left with the gun and some credit cards and some of the wife’s jewelry, police said, but gave the gun and credit cards to his boss.

For now, the 30-year-old salesman from Fresno, Calif., is in jail under arrest for suspected kidnapping, assault and stealing. Police said they are doing DNA tests to see if the husband should be charged related to a sex act.

“It’s kind of interesting,” said Capt. Bill Hisle, “but it’s kind of messed up.”
------------------------
1-877-962-7827
Joe Lambe, jlambe@kcstar.com
By JOE LAMBE
The Kansas City Star
www.kansascity.com
Kansas City, Missouri
Read This Story

DMPG research into the above incident reveals that the magazine salesman worked for Sierra Solutions out of California. This information was obtained throught the Shawnee Police Department and Capt. Bill Hisle.


Watertown, New York
Police Blotter
 June 15, 2009
Deputies: Calif. Man Selling Magazine Subscriptions Entered Pamelia Home Without Permission
Police Blotter
newzjunky.com
posted June 15, 2009 8:24:47 AM
WATERTOWN, N.Y. — Stephon D. Blake, 18, Gilroy, Calif., was charged at 5:08 p.m. Saturday with second-degree criminal trespass and unlawful possession of marijuna. Deputies said Mr. Blake entered the home of Robert J. Brady, 22593 Lewis St., town of Pamelia without permission at about 4:46 p.m. Saturday. According to police documents, Blake said he was selling magazine subscriptions and was only in town for a day before leaving for Buffalo. He was arraigned before Pamelia Town Justice Robert H. Austin who sent him to the Metro- Jefferson Public Safety Building with bail set at $1,000. He is ordered to appear July 2 in Pamelia Town Court.
posted June 15, 2009 8:24:47 AM
Police Blotter
newzjunky.com
Watertown, New York
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Watertown, New York
Traveling magazine salesman arrested
 June 15, 2009
Traveling magazine salesman arrested
Newswatch 50 WWTI ABC
Last Update: 6/15 2:22 pm
A traveling magazine salesman was arrested after he allegedly entered the home of an 80 year old man and refused to leave. The incident happened Saturday on Lewis Street in the town of Watertown. The salesman, 18 year old Stephan D. Blake, of Gilroy, California, admitted he knocked on the elderly man's door, asking his help with a contest. "I think he's just an old man and didn't hear me. This is all a mistake," Blake told sheriff's deputies in a statement. However, the elderly man, Robert Brady, said Blake invited himself into his home and went into the bathroom as Brady dialed 9-1-1 to report the unlawful entry. Brady said that because he was on the phone, he couldn't be sure that Blake didn't go into other rooms as well. He said Blake asked for his checkbook and his name, and took a sealed envelope of bank statements to get Mr. Brady's name. "I felt scared and intimidated," Brady said in his statement to deputies. Blake left before deputies arrived but was apprehended further down the street by a state trooper. He's charged with criminal trespass and unlawful possession of marijuana. Blake told deputies he was in Watertown only for the day and was headed next to Buffalo.
Newswatch 50 WWTI ABC
newswatch50.com
Watertown, New York
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San Mateo, California
Teen pleads not guilty to attempted rape
June 13, 2009
Teen pleads not guilty to attempted rape
The Daily Journal
smdailyjournal.com
June 13, 2009
A 17-year-old Hayward boy accused of posing as a magazine salesman to attack two women working in a residential care home pleaded not guilty to multiple felonies including attempted rape, assault with the intent to commit rape and residential burglary. Christopher Joseph Cortez is also charged with misdemeanor false imprisonment. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and was ordered to stand trial Oct. 26. He also returns to court Sept. 29 for a pretrial conference. San Mateo police arrested Cortez March 19 after two women in their 50s reported being held against their will by a man who came to their residential care home workplace in the 2600 block of Holland Street and claimed to be selling magazine subscriptions. The assailant fled after the women fought back. Police found Cortez nearby in a van with other magazine salespeople. Both women later identified Cortez as the attacker. Although Cortez is a juvenile, prosecutors charged him as an adult under California’s Proposition 21. If convicted of all charges, he faces 15 years to life in prison. Cortez remains in custody in lieu of $1 million bail at the Youth Services Center.
The Daily Journal
smdailyjournal.com
San Mateo, California
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Toledo, Ohio
SUMMER MAGAZINE SALES DOOR-TO-DOOR NATIONWIDE SCAM
 Magazine Sales Companys:
Trinity Public Relations
Prestige Sales, LLC.
Omni Horizons Inc.
True Visions Inc.
Fresh Start Opportunities
 June 12, 2009
BBB Warns Against a Summer Scam Going Door-to-Door Nationwide
Trying to help a good cause could get you ripped off by fraudulent magazine salespeople
BBB Headquarters
5/12/2009
toledo.bbb.org
Better Business Bureau warns 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.

Many of these companies employ crews of high school and college-age people who are trying to earn money over the summer. These crews are sent to communities to knock on doors and sell magazines—sometimes without appropriate licensing. In the sales pitch, the representative might explain they are working to help get their lives back on track, raising money on behalf of a charity or for a school trip or even selling subscriptions to support troops in Iraq.

“Because sales representatives are typically high school or college-age, victims readily believe the potentially fictitious sales pitch and often pay several hundred dollars for the subscriptions by personal check given directly to the sales reps,” said BBB President Dick Eppstein. “Most complaints against such companies allege that sales reps took their check and the magazines never arrived, however, some complainants also allege being subjected to high-pressure and misleading sales tactics.”

In the last year BBB has received complaints on more than 50 companies conducting door-to-door magazines sales and following are a few examples:

The BBB serving Charlotte has received 286 complaints against two magazine companies owned by the same couple - Trinity Public Relations in N.C. and Seedtime Publications in S.C. Complainants report not receiving the subscriptions they paid for and some allege sales reps used high pressure sales tactics. In one example, a woman called the police after feeling threatened by a sales rep who became angry when she wouldn’t buy a magazine. Some sales reps have also allegedly told prospective customers that they would not be able to eat that day if they didn’t buy their magazines. Trinity Public Relations was closed down by the Attorney General in N.C. and Seedtime Publications has also closed in S.C.

The BBB serving Central, Northern and Western Arizona has received 33 complaints from 12 states regarding Prestige Sales, LLC. In addition to not receiving magazines they paid for, complainants allege sales reps lied about being neighborhood youth who were trying to earn money for a school trip to Europe, while other customers were led to believe they were purchasing magazines subscriptions for troops deployed to Iraq.

Other door-to-door magazine companies with F ratings from BBB include:

Michigan City, IN-based Omni Horizons Inc., which has received 122 complaints from consumers in 17 states according to the BBB Serving Northern Indiana;

Chesapeake, VA-based True Visions Inc., which has received 82 complaints from 13 states according to the BBB of Greater Hampton Roads;

Memphis-based Greater Image, Inc., which has received 71 complaints from 16 states according to the BBB serving the Mid-South; and,

Seattle-based Fresh Start Opportunities, which has received 66 complaints from seven states according to the BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington.

“Experience tells us that customers aren’t the only victims of this scam; the young salespeople are also potentially being taken advantage of by their employers and forced to work long hours, endure substandard living conditions and have their wages withheld from them,” said Eppstein.

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 more information about door-to-door magazines sales, reporters can contact Mr. Eppstein at (419) 531-3116 or 800-743-4222.
BBB Headquarters
toledo.bbb.org
Read This Story


Rockford, Illinois
Magazine sales scams going around neighborhoods
 June 12, 2009
Magazine sales scams going around neighborhoods
WREX 13 Rocfords News Leader
Posted: June 12, 2009 01:59 PM CDT
wrex.com
ROCKFORD (WREX) - The Better Business Bureau is warning people to be careful with people knocking on your door trying to sell you magazines.

Summer is the prime time for scams like this, with many of the workers being high school or college-age people looking to earn money over their summer breaks.

Some of the salespeople say they are trying to put their lives back together, or they are raising money for a charity, school trip, or selling magazines to support our troops.

"Because sales representatives are typically high school or college-age, victims readily believe the potentially fictitious sales pitch and have been known to often pay several hundred dollars for the subscriptions by personal check given directly to the sales reps," said Dennis Horton, Director of the Rockford Regional Office of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago and Northern Illinois. "Most complaints against such companies allege that sales reps took their check but the magazines never arrived. In addition, some complainants also allege being subjected to high-pressure and misleading sales tactics."

And it's not just customers being ripped off. Some of the salespeople are also being victimized by the people running these companies. "They are forced to work long hours, endure substandard living conditions and have their wages withheld from them," said Horton.

Examples of complaints in northern Illinois include: (information from press release)

Anita Tarlach of Crystal Lake, Ill. complaining about a business named Fresh Start Opportunities of Seattle, Washington, stated: "The young man, who looked around 18, that came to my door with a girl was very nice and well dressed. He said that he came from a single parent home with four or five kids and needed to do this to better himself. I gave him cash. I am not against helping people out. I did not get the magazine. I have not been able to get through on their phone lines."

Jerry Rooney of Crystal Lake, Ill. also complained about Fresh Start Opportunities, stating: "The guy looked around 20. He said that he was from the inner city and was working to get points for a trip. He also said that he was trying to earn points and become a manager. I never got the magazine. None of my calls to the company have been returned."

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 http://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 http://www.bbb.org/, local law enforcement, and state Attorney General offices.
WREX 13 Rocfords News Leader
wrex.com
Rockford, Illinois
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UK
Life for fugitive rapist
 June 12, 2009
Life for fugitive rapist
Manchester Evening News
June 12, 2009
Manchester Evening News,
1 Scott Place, Hardman Street,
Manchester, M3 3RN
Main switchboard: 0161 832 7200
A FUGITIVE killer who escaped from a Greater Manchester psychiatric unit and raped a woman has been jailed for life.

Michael Murphy - convicted of killing his father in Manchester in 1974 - feigned illness to escape from Prestwich Hospital, near Bury, in November 2006 after learning of the death of his mother.

Detectives traced him to Dublin but a series of blunders meant a delay in processing a European Arrest Warrant so he could be captured allowed him to remain free for 71 days.

He attacked then raped a woman in a hotel bathroom.

The case led to a top-level government enquiry, which blamed a breakdown in communication between the Crown Prosecution Service and police and identified examples of 'human error'.

Revealed first in the M.E.N., it has led to national procedural changes.

Dangerous

Murphy - described by a judge as a highly dangerous man - was jailed for life on Wednesday after a jury convicted him of rape last month.

Following the sentencing, a woman who was raped by Murphy 15 years ago criticised the string of blunders that allowed him to remain free to strike again.

Murphy, from Burnage, subjected Vaunda Whatmore to a sickening five-hour ordeal in 1994.

He stabbed her 33 times then raped her and left her bound and gagged.

Now Vaunda has waived her right to anonymity to detail the chilling attack and criticise authorities after errors left him free to rape again.

Vaunda, 34, told the M.E.N. in an exclusive interview today that Murphy should never be free again.

She said: "Why did this second rape happen? Because no one actually sat down and thought how dangerous this man was. It must not be allowed to happen again. The delays in applying for the arrest warrant were unacceptable.

"The police knew where he was. They must have been able to do it far, far quicker. Now some poor woman has gone through what I did.

"If my talking can prevent something like this from happening again then I will talk until I am blue in the face. He should not have been given the freedom to escape."

Born in Ireland, Murphy moved to Manchester with his family in the sixties and his criminal record dates back to a robbery in 1970.

Five years later he was convicted of the manslaughter of his father, an alcoholic, and received an 18-month, suspended jail sentence.

Then in 1994 - after 16 more convictions for robbery and assault - he raped Vaunda.

After being diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder, he was ordered to be detained indefinitely in a secure psychiatric unit.

He was sent to Rampton High Security Hospital then transferred to Prestwich in 1995, from where he escaped.

Vaunda told how Murphy's attack changed her life forever. She has never worked and suffers panic attacks.

Mother-of-two Vaunda, from south London, was studying business in London when she met him selling magazines.

I can talk about it now. I had to get on with life but the memories are still very vivid. He locked me in the house. I was petrified

Vaunda Whatmore

She said: "I did talk to him. I am not the sort of person to ignore someone. It was just polite chitchat. The world was different then. He seemed a pleasant guy. He told me about his family and said he had a son. He said he had been in the Army.

"He said he had been given somewhere to live and would I go for a drink with him to celebrate."

Vaunda boarded a train to Stratford but he 'changed almost immediately'.

She said he became intimidating and his 'whole demeanour changed'.

Vaunda said: "I was frightened immediately. There was no talking."

They went for drinks. Vaunda ordered soft drinks but told how whatever Murphy bought her 'knocked me for six'.

She said: "I asked to go for a coffee and he said you will be sober by the time I have finished with you'. He took my back to his house."

Vaunda detailed how Murphy tied her up, beat her then slashed her 33 times with a kitchen knife before he raped her.

Petrified

She added: "I can talk about it now. I had to get on with life but the memories are still very vivid. He locked me in the house. I was petrified.

"I tried to get up the stairs but he was dragging me back down. He put my hand over my mouth and I was trying to scream. I was digging my nails into him. I could not do anything else."

Vaunda was contacted by Bury South MP Ivan Lewis, who called for greater security at the Prestwich unit and for the enquiry into the delay in obtaining the warrant.

The Labour MP said it was `one of the most disturbing cases of its kind'. CPS bosses in Manchester accepted that errors were made and national policies on the issuing of arrest warrants have been tightened as a result. Disciplinary action was taken against one senior CPS employee.

Vaunda added: "I do not have a view on him now. He is nothing to me. I cannot allow him to be anything because then I allow him to win. I will not let him have a hold over my life.

"Any sentence he gets isn't enough, when you think what he's done in the past. My heart goes out to the woman he attacked, when he shouldn't have been free to make her another victim."
Manchester Evening News,
1 Scott Place, Hardman Street,
Manchester, M3 3RN
Main switchboard: 0161 832 7200
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
UK
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Hickory, North Carolina
School system warns of possible scam
 June 11, 2009
School system warns of possible scam
The Hickory Daily Record
staff reports
Published: June 11, 2009
NEWTON - The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has warned that deceptive door-to-door magazine and educational book 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. In Catawba County, several individuals have reported to Catawba County Schools that some of these sales representatives are soliciting in several communities in the county. These salespersons have said they are representing Catawba County Schools when making their sales pitch to parents with children. Catawba County Schools is not associated with, nor do they endorse or recommend their products. If you're uncomfortable or threatened with the tactics used by these individuals, contact the Catawba County Sheriff's Office.
The Hickory Daily Record
staff reports
www2.hickoryrecord.com
Hickory, North Carolina
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Parsippany, New Jersey
Police Blotter
 June 11, 2009
Police Blotter
Daily Record
dailyrecord.com
June 11, 2009 PARSIPPANY
Two people were charged with solicitation without a permit while selling magazine subscriptions. Abraham Cook, 19, of Birmingham, Ala., and Eric Alsberry, 19, of Chicago each were issued summonses Saturday night in separate parts of the township. Anyone who encounters door-to-door solicitors should call township police at 973-263-4300 to determine whether they have a permit.
Daily Record
dailyrecord.com
Parsippany, New Jersey
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Madison, Wisconsin
Better Business Bureau: Warns against a summer scam going door-to-door nationwide
 June 9, 2009
Better Business Bureau: Warns against a summer scam going door-to-door nationwide
6/10/2009
CONTACT: Susan Bach, Director of Communications
PHONE: 414- 847- 6085
FAX: 414-302- 0355
E-MAIL: sbach@wisconsin.bbb.org
All original content published by
WisBusiness.com
14 W. Mifflin St., Ste. 308
Madison, WI 53703
www.wisbusiness.com
Phone: (608) 237-6378
(608) 441-8418
FAX: (608) 441-8419
Email: info@wisbusiness.com
WISBUSINESS PRESS RELEASES
Trying to help a good cause could get you ripped off by fraudulent magazine salespeople

Milwaukee, Wis – The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau warns 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, the 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.

Many of these companies employ crews of high school and college-age people who are trying to earn money over the summer. These crews are sent to communities to knock on doors and sell magazines -- sometimes without appropriate licensing. In the sales pitch, the representative might explain they are working to help get their lives back on track, raising money on behalf of a charity or for a school trip or even selling subscriptions to support troops in Iraq.

“Because sales representatives are typically high school or college-age, victims readily believe the potentially fictitious sales pitch and often pay several hundred dollars for the subscriptions by personal check given directly to the sales reps,” said Randall Hoth, Wisconsin BBB president/CEO. “Most complaints against such companies allege that sales reps took their check and the magazines never arrived, however, some complainants also allege being subjected to high-pressure and misleading sales tactics.”

In the last year BBB has received complaints on more than 50 companies conducting door-to-door magazines sales and following are a few examples:

The BBB serving Charlotte has received 286 complaints against two magazine companies owned by the same couple - Trinity Public Relations in N.C. and Seedtime Publications in S.C. Complainants report not receiving the subscriptions they paid for and some allege sales reps used high pressure sales tactics. In one example, a woman called the police after feeling threatened by a sales rep who became angry when she wouldn’t buy a magazine. Some sales reps have also allegedly told prospective customers that they would not be able to eat that day if they didn’t buy their magazines. Trinity Public Relations was closed down by the Attorney General in N.C. and Seedtime Publications has also closed in S.C.

The BBB serving Central, Northern and Western Arizona has received 33 complaints from 12 states regarding Prestige Sales, LLC. In addition to not receiving magazines they paid for, complainants allege sales reps lied about being neighborhood youth who were trying to earn money for a school trip to Europe, while other customers were led to believe they were purchasing magazines subscriptions for troops deployed to Iraq.

Other door-to-door magazine companies with F ratings from BBB include:

* Michigan City, IN-based Omni Horizons Inc., which has received 122 complaints from consumers in 17 states according to the BBB Serving Northern Indiana;

* Chesapeake, VA-based True Vision Inc., which has received 82 complaints from 13 states according to the BBB of Greater Hampton Roads;

* Memphis-based Greater Image, Inc., which has received 71 complaints from 16 states according to the BBB serving the Mid-South; and,

* Seattle-based Fresh Start Opportunities, which has received 66 complaints from seven states according to the BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington.

“Experience tells us that customers aren’t the only victims of this scam; the young salespeople are also potentially being taken advantage of by their employers and forced to work long hours, endure substandard living conditions and have their wages withheld from them,” said Hoth.

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 http://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 http://www.bbb.org, local law enforcement, and state Attorney General offices.

For more information or further inquiries, please contact the Wisconsin BBB at http://www.wisconsin.bbb.org or 414-847-6000 (metro Milwaukee), (920)-734-4352 (Appleton) or 1-800-273-1002 (elsewhere in Wisconsin).
CONTACT: Susan Bach, Director of Communications
PHONE: 414- 847- 6085
FAX: 414-302- 0355
E-MAIL: sbach@wisconsin.bbb.org
wisbusiness.com
Madison, Wisconsin
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Milwaukee, Wisconsin
BBB Warns Against a Summer Scam Going Door-to-Door Nationwide
 June 9, 2009
BBB Warns Against a Summer Scam Going Door-to-Door Nationwide
Posted Tuesday, June 9, 2009 --- 4:35 p.m.
NBC TV
nbc15.com
Press Release:
Milwaukee, Wis – The Wisconsin Better Business Bureau warns 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, the 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.

Many of these companies employ crews of high school and college-age people who are trying to earn money over the summer. These crews are sent to communities to knock on doors and sell magazines—sometimes without appropriate licensing. In the sales pitch, the representative might explain they are working to help get their lives back on track, raising money on behalf of a charity or for a school trip or even selling subscriptions to support troops in Iraq.

“Because sales representatives are typically high school or college-age, victims readily believe the potentially fictitious sales pitch and often pay several hundred dollars for the subscriptions by personal check given directly to the sales reps,” said Randall Hoth, Wisconsin BBB president/CEO. “Most complaints against such companies allege that sales reps took their check and the magazines never arrived, however, some complainants also allege being subjected to high-pressure and misleading sales tactics.”

In the last year BBB has received complaints on more than 50 companies conducting door-to-door magazines sales and following are a few examples:

The BBB serving Charlotte has received 286 complaints against two magazine companies owned by the same couple - Trinity Public Relations in N.C. and Seedtime Publications in S.C. Complainants report not receiving the subscriptions they paid for and some allege sales reps used high pressure sales tactics. In one example, a woman called the police after feeling threatened by a sales rep who became angry when she wouldn’t buy a magazine. Some sales reps have also allegedly told prospective customers that they would not be able to eat that day if they didn’t buy their magazines. Trinity Public Relations was closed down by the Attorney General in N.C. and Seedtime Publications has also closed in S.C.

The BBB serving Central, Northern and Western Arizona has received 33 complaints from 12 states regarding Prestige Sales, LLC. In addition to not receiving magazines they paid for, complainants allege sales reps lied about being neighborhood youth who were trying to earn money for a school trip to Europe, while other customers were led to believe they were purchasing magazines subscriptions for troops deployed to Iraq.

Other door-to-door magazine companies with F ratings from BBB include:

• Michigan City, IN-based Omni Horizons Inc., which has received 122 complaints from consumers in 17 states according to the BBB Serving Northern Indiana;

• Chesapeake, VA-based True Vision Inc., which has received 82 complaints from 13 states according to the BBB of Greater Hampton Roads;

• Memphis-based Greater Image, Inc., which has received 71 complaints from 16 states according to the BBB serving the Mid-South; and,

• Seattle-based Fresh Start Opportunities, which has received 66 complaints from seven states according to the BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington.

“Experience tells us that customers aren’t the only victims of this scam; the young salespeople are also potentially being taken advantage of by their employers and forced to work long hours, endure substandard living conditions and have their wages withheld from them,” said Hoth.

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 more information or further inquiries, please contact the Wisconsin BBB at www.wisconsin.bbb.org or 414-847-6000 (metro Milwaukee), (920)-734-4352 (Appleton) or 1-800-273-1002 (elsewhere in Wisconsin).
NBC TV
nbc15.com
Madison, Wisconsin
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The Direct Selling Association is a joke and here’s why
June 9, 2009
The Direct Selling Association is a joke and here’s why
Tuesday, June 9th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Filed under: Entrepreneurship, Ripoffs and Scams
Personal Finance
personal-finance.web-workathome.com
YTB International, an online multi-level marketer masquerading as a legitimate travel agency, was sued by California's Attorney General back in August 2008, accused of being nothing more than a "gigantic pyramid scheme."

YTB settled the charges and agreed to pay a $1 million fine on top of huge changes in its business. In its latest SEC filings, YTB notes that there is "substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going conern."

In September 2007, a year before the California Attorney General sued, YTB's application for membership into the Direct Selling Association was approved. The DSA describes its mission as "To protect, serve and promote the effectiveness of member companies and the independent business people they represent. To ensure that the marketing by member companies of products and/or the direct sales opportunity is conducted with the highest level of business ethics and service to consumers."

So the DSA would appear to have a pretty serious problem on its hands: A member that settled allegations that it was a massive pyramid scheme, surely a problem that doesn't mesh well with a commitment to "business ethics and service to consumers."

So how did DSA respond? Was YTB kicked out of the organization? Nope! Instead, the DSA issued a 497-word statement last month that says almost nothing.

"DSA prides itself in serving as a steward of consumer and distributor protection through its efforts to create and enforce acceptable business standards that often go beyond the requirements of the law," said Neil Offen, president and CEO of the Direct Selling Association, in the statement. "This situation is a clear indication that we must redouble our efforts to make sure our processes are sound and that our members not only understand the requirements of the Code of Ethics but that they are incorporating them into every aspect of their business operations."

But isn't the first step to redoubling your efforts kicking out the company that the California Attorney General said is "immensely profitable to a few individuals on top and a complete rip-off for most everyone else."

The message for consumers here is clear: The Direct Selling Association is a lobbying organization that pretends to be some kind of industry watchdog, and multi-level marketing operations of questionable merit use its imputed credibility to recruit new would-be entrepreneurs.

But if a company like YTB can be a member in good standing of the DSA, consumers would do well to be highly skeptical of any sales pitch that invokes this trade group.

The Direct Selling Association is a joke and here's why originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Personal Finance
personal-finance.web-workathome.com
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Medford, Massachusetts
Don't come a-knockin' in Medford
 June 9, 2009
Medford
Don't come a-knockin' in Medford
Posted June 9, 2009 11:20 AM
By: Travis Andersen
Town Correspondent
boston.com
City residents can now place themselves on a Do Not Knock registry, a list of addresses off-limits to door-to-door salespeople. Residents can sign up for the registry at the City Clerk's office. Their registration is good for a year. City Clerk Edward Finn said licensed salespeople - peddlers, in official parlance - will have a list of all banned addresses. They'll face a $300 fine for every violation. He said peddlers usually apply for licenses in the summer, a more hospitable climate for going door-to-door. The city usually issues between three and five licenses each year. Finn said that while "legit" peddlers usually sell magazines and other periodicals, those flying below the radar sell more expensive items, such as vinyl siding. "Hopefully [the registry] will tighten that up a little bit," he said. Councilman Michael Marks authored the ordinance to create the registry, at the request of a constituent. He said it's designed to scare off unlicensed peddlers, many of whom prey on the elderly. But his ordinance exempts nonprofit and religious organizations going door to door for legitimate fund-raising activities. "It's not our intention to go after the little girl selling her Girl Scout cookies," said Marks, who recently join the registry. Edie Auner, of West Medford, said she doesn't get many solicitations. "But I don't like it when I do," she said, adding that the registry sounded like a good idea. But Jerry Reed, who lives just off of Medford Square, opposes restrictions on peddlers. "They have to make money, too," he said. "And they might have a product you need."
By: Travis Andersen
Town Correspondent
boston.com
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Bloomington, Indiana
B-Aware Bloomington
Selling Magazine Subscriptions Door to Door
 June 9, 2009
http://bloomington.b-aware.us
HARASSMENT in Bloomington, IN District-4 (Southeast) on 2009-06-09 Case number B09-05582
Incident Type: HARASSMENT
District: Bloomington, IN District-4 (Southeast)
When: 2009-06-09 8:00:00 PM
Address: 3409 S Cedarwood Circle

Incident Summary:
Jessica M. age 32, reports that two males selling magazines subscriptions door to door. When she checked online, there were numerous accusations against the company. She did get her check back but not the receipt with her personal information on it. Officers were unable to locate the subjects.
http://bloomington.b-aware.us
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North Andover, Massachusetts
Police arrest four magazine salesmen
 Magazine Sales Company:
Urban Development Solutions
 June 6, 2009
Police arrest four magazine salesmen
By Jim Patten
jpatten@eagletribune.com
The Eagle Tribune Online
Published: June 06, 2009 12:11 am
ANDOVER — Four out-of-state magazine salesmen were arrested after residents complained of rude and pushy tactics when they solicited door-to-door in town Thursday afternoon.

The company they work for, Urban Development Solutions, has been told most of their salespeople do not qualify for town-issued solicitors licenses, which would allow them to peddle door-to-door, Lt. James Hashem said.

In addition to being rude and pushy, the salesmen have been banging on doors asking questions seeming to have nothing to do with magazine sales.

"It appears they are trying to see if anyone is home," Hashem said. "Their activities are suspect. What their intentions were after that we can only speculate."

Hashem said they were told not to solicit in Andover and they continue to do so.

"As we come across them we are arresting them," Hashem said.

State statute requires peddlers to receive a door-to-door sales license from the Police Departments in the towns where they want to work.

Arrested Thursday afternoon and charged with peddling door-to-door were Brett Hunter, 23, Kent, Ohio; Chester Oliver III, 34, Albany, Ga.; Kevin Martin, 36, Millington, Tenn.; and Thomas Covington, 43, St. Louis, Mo.

Hashem said there are a couple of legitimate, licensed door-to-door salespeople working in town, but most are not licensed.

"If someone comes to your door selling something, especially magazines, call us," Hashem advised Andover residents.

Police in other area communities also have responded to complaints of aggressive or rude solicitors.

Salem, N.H., police arrested nine salesmen last Wednesday and charged them with failure to obtain a New Hampshire hawkers and peddlers license.

The nine also had not registered with the town or the police, police said.
By Jim Patten
jpatten@eagletribune.com
The Eagle Tribune Online
eagletribune.com
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CRS INC Complaints - Did not deliver
 Magazine Sales Company:
CRS INC
 June 6, 2009
CRS INC Complaints - Did not deliver
Review all CRS INC complaints
CRS INC
Posted: 2009-06-06 by Don
Company information:
CRS INC
4800 Hwy 377 S
Aubrey, Texas
United States
Phone: No Phone
The first week of March of this year a Student representing CRS, INC was selling magazines door to door and stopped by my house and though normally this is something I would never do he was so energetic and courteous and full of life I allowed him in and we discussed the idea. My Son is serving in Iraq and mentioned he would like some magazines in his earlier letter so I was about to order subscriptions and this turned out to be what seemed to be a perfect solution. WRONG!!! He took my money and I have no magazines to show for anything.

Do not waste your time if you have anyone in your neighborhood saying they are selling magazines trying to win a trim to someplace and are representing CRS, INC. They will get the trip and you will get nothing!
by Don
complaintsboard.com
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Madison, Connecticut
Seniors Warned About Door-to-Door Sales Crews
 June 4, 2009
Seniors Warned About Door-to-Door Sales Crews
Posted by Shore Publishing on Jun 04 2009, 01:52 PM
Filed under: Heather Castrilli, seniors, scam, David Melillo

Connecticut's community Web site for the Times weeklies
based in New London and the Shore Publishing weeklies out of Madison.
zip06.theday.com
Heather Castrilli, municipal agent for the elderly, and David Melillo, director of human services, are passing along a warning received from the Business Bureau. Deceptive door-to-door magazine sales crews are hitting the pavement in Connecticut looking to earn a quick buck this summer and seniors are often a target.

Many of these companies employ crews of high school and college-age people who are trying to earn money over their summer break. These crews are sent to communities to knock on doors and sell magazines—sometimes without appropriate licensing. In the sales pitch, the representative might explain they are working to help raise money on behalf of a charity, for a school trip, or even selling subscriptions to support troops in Iraq.

Lt. Robert Stimpson of the Madison Police Department said vendors and salesperson such as this are required to register with the Police Department and to obtain a permit before selling door-to-door. He cautioned that any person selling door-to-door is issued an ID by the Police Department that must be carried with them.

A Greater New Haven woman said a pair of students claiming they were from the University of Rhode Island knocked on her door, said they lived “down the street,” and were selling magazines and books to “go to London.” Later, when she became suspicious, she called police, filed a report with Connecticut Better Business Bureau, and put a stop on her check.

Connecticut Better Business Bureau President Paulette Scarpetti says victims readily believe the phony sales pitch and often pay hundreds of dollars by check. However, complaints allege the sales reps took the checks and the magazines never arrived.

“We are alerting consumers to this scam to prevent an epidemic of door-to-door magazine fraud. We encourage all Connecticut residents to be vigilant and to inform their children, parents, and grandparents about this type of operation.”

If residents have a question or concern about strangers approaching their door selling or canvassing, contact the Police Department.
Posted by Shore Publishing on Jun 04 2009, 01:52 PM
Filed under: Heather Castrilli, seniors, scam, David Melillo
Connecticut's community Web site for the Times weeklies
based in New London and the Shore Publishing weeklies
out of Madison.
zip06.theday.com
Madison, Connecticut
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Mesa, Arizona
Phoenix company part of nationwide magazine scam
 Magazine Sales Company:
Prestige Sales
 June 2, 2009
Phoenix company part of nationwide magazine scam
05:30 PM Mountain Standard Time on Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Meredith Yeomans / 3 On Your Side Producer
KTVK-TV / azfamily.com
MESA - There is a warning tonight about deceptive door-to-door sales crews that is putting Valley residents on alert.

Nationwide, the Better Business Bureau is seeing a spike in scams involving door-to-door magazine sales.

Basically, you pay for a subscription but the magazine never arrives.

It happened to one Valley woman, and it turns out, one of the company's named in the warning is located right here in Phoenix.

It may have happened to you, a knock at the door followed by a salesman asking if you're interested in a magazine subscription.

Your money, the salesman promises, will go to a good cause.

“I felt like I was doing a good thing for someone else ya know,” Renee Ross said.

The scenario played out for Ross after a door-to-door magazine salesman came to her Mesa apartment.

She bought the pitch, but the Better Business Bureau said you shouldn't.

“System wide the Better Business Bureau has received over 1000 complaints from various companies around the United States.”

One of those companies, Prestige Sales, is based right here in Phoenix.

“We have one locally that has received about 39 complaints from consumers in Texas, Maryland and California so it's happening everywhere,” the Better Business Bureau said.

Here's how the scam works. A salesperson claiming to be a neighborhood youth shows up at your door selling magazine subscriptions.

The salespeople say they're raising money for charity or a trip or even for our troops in Iraq.

“At first he was very nice and invited himself in once I told him I really don’t want the magazine he started getting really pushy and felt like he wasn't gonna leave until I subscribe to a magazine,” Ross said.

Ross eventually gave in and wrote a check for $65 for a 12-month subscription.

“I want my money back, I never wanted the magazines, I never wanted the magazine in the first place,” she said.

For weeks 3 On Your Side tried to track down Prestige Sales, but were never were able to find the guys who run the company.

As for Ross, her coffee table still sits empty. Six months later she has yet to receive a copy of that magazine she was pressured in to ordering.

“I just don't understand how they can do that to people straight to their face and then turn around and take their money,” Ross said.

The Federal Trade Commission's three-day "cooling off rule" gives a customer three days to cancel a purchase more than $25 that is made in their home.

By law, the company must give customers a refund within ten days of receiving a cancellation notice.

The one thing to note about the representative's sales pitch, Ross said they didn't have a lot of mainstream magazines so she was suspicious about this to begin with.
Meredith Yeomans / 3 On Your Side Producer
KTVK-TV / azfamily.com
azfamily.com
Phoenix, Arizona
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Boston, Massachusetts
Magazine scammers walk among us
 Magazine Sales Company:
Destiny Sales
 June 2, 2009
Magazine scammers walk among us
By adamg - Tue, 06/02/2009 - 2:23pm.
universalhub.com
Universal Hub
It's can be tough to be cynical, but beware of any kids who knock on your door and tell you how they're trying to work their way out of poverty in the inner city by selling magazines door to door - especially if they're from "Destiny Sales." Just ask  Rhea Becker,  who almost fell for it, but thought to Google the name on the kid's clipboard before she gave him a check, then went out and:

... I get back a few hours later and my housemate lets me know that the guy not only came back to the house but rang the doorbell about 50 times and threw stuff at our windows to get her attention. She didn't answer the doorbell (smart move!) and was basically a prisoner in the house until the guy left.
By adamg
Universal Hub
universalhub.com
Boston, Massachusetts
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Nebraska
Beware of Door-to Door Magazine Salespeople
 June 2, 2009
Beware of Door-to Door Magazine Salespeople
NTV ABC
NEBRASKA.TV
Posted: June 2, 2009 01:35 PM CDT
Updated: June 2, 2009 01:35 PM CDT
Better Business Bureau is warning that deceptive door-to-door magazine sales crews are hitting the pavement, looking to earn a quick buck. In the last 12 months alone, BBBs across the U.S. have 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.

Many of these companies employ crews of high school and college-age people who are trying to earn money over the summer. These teams are sent to communities to knock on doors and sell magazines-sometimes without appropriate licensing. In the sales pitch, representatives might explain they are working to help get their lives back on track, raising money on behalf of a charity or for a school trip or even selling subscriptions to support troops in Iraq.

"Because sales representatives are typically high school or college-age, victims readily believe the potentially fictitious sales pitch and often pay several hundred dollars for the subscriptions by personal check given directly to the sales reps," said Jim Hegarty, BBB president and CEO.

Most complaints against such companies allege that sales reps took their check and the magazines never arrived. However, some complainants also allege being subjected to high-pressure and misleading sales tactics. In one example, a woman called the police after feeling threatened by a sales rep that became angry when she wouldn't buy a magazine. Some sales reps have also allegedly told prospective customers that they would not be able to eat that day if they didn't buy their magazines.

Some door-to-door magazine companies with F ratings from BBB include:

Michigan City, IN-based Omni Horizons Inc., which has received 122 complaints from consumers in 17 states according to the BBB Serving Northern Indiana

Chesapeake, VA-based True Visions Inc., which has received 82 complaints from 13 states according to the BBB of Greater Hampton Roads

Charlotte, NC- based Trinity Public Relations which has received 286 complaints

Seattle-based Fresh Start Opportunities, which has received 66 complaints from seven states according to the BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington

Memphis-based Greater Image, Inc., which has received 71 complaints from 16 states according to the BBB serving the Mid-South

Phoenix, AZ -based Prestige Sales, LLC which has received 33 complaints from 12 states according to BBB serving Central, Northern and Western, Arizona

"Experience tells us that customers aren't the only victims of this scam; the young sales people are also potentially being taken advantage of by their employers and forced to work long hours, endure substandard living conditions and have their wages withheld from them," said Hegarty.

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

The Better Business Bureau, Inc. (BBB) has been serving the region for more than 70 years and is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting trust between consumers and the business community. Accountability, education and recognition are key components to the BBB's mission of fostering trust in the marketplace. Today, the BBB has a membership of more than 6,700 companies in Nebraska, South Dakota and southwest Iowa.

Consumers are encouraged to report complaints and possible scams to the BBB. The BBB annually honors organizations and companies that demonstrate exceptional business ethics with the prestigious Integrity Award. As a matter of policy, the BBB does not endorse any product, service or company. For more information, please visit www.bbb.org and "Start With Trust."
NTV ABC
nebraska.tv
Kearney, Nebraska
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Downers Grove, Illinois
Police caution residents about door-to-door solicitations
 June 1, 2009
Police caution residents about door-to-door solicitations
By Catherine Leyden, cleyden@mysuburbanlife.com
Downers Grove Reporter
mysuburbanlife.com
Mon Jun 01, 2009, 02:23 PM CDT
Downers Grove, IL -
As warm weather enters the area, so does a spike in the number of solicitors traveling door-to-door in Downers Grove.

The village and police department are reminding residents to be cautious. Police Sgt. David Bormann said commercial and non-commercial solicitors must apply for and display a permit badge.

“We want to know whose out there and knocking on peoples’ doors,” Bormann said. “You need to have the permit to identify who you are and that you are a legitimate business. If you’re not getting the permit, you can’t be there.”

That was the case with four people who recently were charged with commercial solicitation without a permit in Downers Grove.

Police said Sam Earl Briscoe, 22, of Mississippi, and Tyran Richard Harbor, 22, of Colorado, were selling magazines for “Face to Face Technologies” in the 4600 block of Prince Street May 18 without valid permits.

On May 24, police said Andrew L. Brickert, 20, of La Grange, and Anna B. Dickinson, 20, of Washington, also were charged for selling magazine subscriptions in the 5300 block of Florence Avenue.

In both instances, Bormann said homeowners noticed the lack of proper permit identification badges and called the police. The solicitors were picked up by officers as they continued to walk through each neighborhood, he added.

Solicitation permit violators usually face a fine of $100, Bormann said.

“If you do have a solicitor at your house and you don’t know who they are, I would not let them into your house,” he said.

Bormann added it is especially important senior citizens be cautious of people who come to the door saying they are there to inspect or fix something inside the home.

“No people solicit to check water heaters in the house,” he said.

Doug Kozlowski, village spokesman, said the fee for commercial solicitation permits is $25 and there is no fee for non-commercial permits.

“We average about 10 solicitation permits a year,” Kozlowski said.

Solicitation regulations
The village of Downers Grove divides solicitations into two groups — commercial and non-commercial solicitation. All solicitors are required to apply for a permit at Village Hall and wear an identification card. The village does not define solicitors as those are seeking or giving information for public opinion polls, political campaigns or pamphlet distribution.

COMMERCIAL The sale of for-profit goods, services or articles including magazine subscriptions, insurance policies, real estate listings or cleaning products. Commercial solicitation can take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays.

NON-COMMERCIAL The request of contributions such as money, property or financial assistance or the selling of items for charitable, religious or political causes. Non-commercial solicitation is allowed from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. including weekends and holidays.
By Catherine Leyden, cleyden@mysuburbanlife.com
Downers Grove Reporter
mysuburbanlife.com
Downers Grove, Illinois
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Litchfield, New Hampshire
Ala. fugitive arrested after complaint
 Magazine Sales Company:
Urban Development Solutions
 May 31, 2009
Ala. fugitive arrested after complaint
MICHAEL BRINDLEY
Nashua Telegraph
nashuatelegraph.com
Published: Sunday, May 31, 2009
LITCHFIELD – A complaint about a group claiming to be selling magazine subscriptions door to door led to the arrest Saturday of a fugitive wanted in Alabama. Police said they received a complaint from a concerned citizen about a group going to door to door claiming to be selling magazine subscriptions for a Michigan company called Urban Development Solutions. An officer approached the group in the area of Nesenkeag Drive. According to police, one of the males, James A. Riggs, 20, is wanted in Alabama on charges of smuggling contraband into a prison. Police arrested Riggs, a resident of Birmingham, Ala. He is being held without bail at the Hillsborough County Department of Corrections. Riggs will be arraigned on local charges Monday at Merrimack District Court. Alabama officials have started an extradition process to return Riggs to that state to face the felony charges, according to police. Police are asking residents to be vigilant of door-to-door salesmen and to call them at 424-4047 if there are any suspicious door-to-door salesmen in the area. The town says it hasn’t issued permits for such activity.
– MICHAEL BRINDLEY
MICHAEL BRINDLEY
Nashua Telegraph
nashuatelegraph.com
Hudson, New Hampshire
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Fox Lake, Illinois
Vacuum salesman charged in burglary
 Door-to-Door Sales Company:
Kirby
Kirby Trade Group:
Direct Selling Association
 May 30, 2009
Vacuum salesman charged in burglary
By SARAH SUTSCHEK - ssutschek@nwherald.com
Northwest Herald
nwherald.com
Created: Saturday, May 30, 2009 1:15 a.m. CDT
FOX LAKE – A McHenry man on parole for a slew of charges including burglary was charged this week with stealing from a home where he tried to sell vacuums a few days earlier. Alan Dufield, 26, was charged Thursday with residential burglary, a Class 1 felony, and unlawful use of a credit card, a Class 4 felony. On May 2, there was a burglary on Pistakee Lake Road in Fox Lake, and the homeowner suspected the vacuum salesman who had been there a few days earlier, said Lt. Jeff Norris of the Fox Lake Police Department. Dufield gave consent for police to search his home and vehicle, and they recovered stolen items from a storage facility in Crystal Lake, Norris said. In addition to credit cards, he allegedly stole cameras, computer equipment, and other electronics. He also was linked to burglaries in Crystal Lake, Woodstock and Libertyville. Norris said Dufield had been working for Kirby in Crystal Lake for five days before he was arrested. Additional charges are possible, Norris said. Dufield was paroled in May 2008 on charges that included misuse of a credit card, residential burglary, and aggravated fleeing a police officer. Previous charges include forgery, writing a bad check, theft, ID theft, and additional burglary charges. Dufield’s bond was set at $50,000, and he remained in custody Friday afternoon.
By SARAH SUTSCHEK - ssutschek@nwherald.com
Northwest Herrald
nwherald.com
Crystal Lake, Illinois
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Fox Lake, Illinois
McHenry vacuum salesman charged with burglary
 Door-to-Door Sales Company:
Kirby
Kirby Trade Group:
Direct Selling Association
 May 29, 2009
McHenry vacuum salesman charged with burglary
By SARAH SUTSCHEK - ssutschek@nwherald.com
Northwest Herrald
nwherald.com
Created: Friday, May 29, 2009 1:35 p.m. CDT
FOX LAKE – A McHenry man on parole for a slew of charges including burglary was charged again Thursday with stealing from a home where he tried to sell vacuums a few days earlier. Alan Dufield, 26, was charged with residential burglary, a Class 1 felony, and unlawful use of a credit card, a Class 4 felony. On May 2, there was a burglary at 22 S. Pistakee Lake Road in Fox Lake, and the homeowner suspected the vacuum salesman who had been there a few days earlier, said Lt. Jeff Norris of the Fox Lake Police Department. Dufield gave consent for police to search his home and vehicle, and they recovered stolen items from a storage facility in Crystal Lake, Norris said. In addition to credit cards, he allegedly stole cameras, computer equipment, and other electronics. He was also linked to burglaries in Crystal Lake, Woodstock and Libertyville. Norris said Dufield had been working for Kirby in Crystal Lake for only five days before he was arrested. Additional charges are possible, Norris said. Dufield was paroled in May 2008 on charges that included misuse of a credit card, residential burglary, and aggravated fleeing a police officer. Previous charges include forgery, writing a bad check, theft, ID theft and additional burglary charges.
By SARAH SUTSCHEK - ssutschek@nwherald.com
Northwest Herrald
nwherald.com
Crystal Lake, Illinois
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San Mateo, California
Teen to stand trial for assault on San Mateo nursing home employees
 May 29, 2009
Teen to stand trial for assault on San Mateo nursing home employees
By Elizabeth Pfeffer
San Mateo County Times
insidebayarea.com
Posted: 05/29/2009 03:35:39 PM PDT
Updated: 05/29/2009 06:51:26 PM PDT
A 17-year-old boy selling magazine subscriptions door-to-door has been ordered to stand trial for the assault and attempted rape of two San Mateo nursing home employees. During a preliminary hearing held in South San Francisco on Thursday, Christopher Joseph Cortez was called to answer on all charges, including two felony counts of assault with intent to commit rape, two felony counts of attempted rape, and one felony count of residential burglary. He has pleaded not guilty since the initial felony arraignment on March 23, a few days after police took him into custody. He is still being held on $1 million bail. Cortez is accused of returning to the residential care home 15 minutes after the two employees, both women in their 50s, refused to purchase magazine subscriptions from him. He then ordered them to remove their clothes and tried to physically prevent them from leaving the building, said Steve Wagstaffe, San Mateo County chief deputy district attorney. The women called police, who found Cortez with women identified him as their assailant, Wagstaffe said.
By Elizabeth Pfeffer
San Mateo County Times
insidebayarea.com
Oakland, California
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DMPG Link:
Read More About:
Christopher Joseph Cortez


San Mateo, California
Teen to trial for attempted rape
 May 29, 2009
Teen to trial for attempted rape
By Michelle Durand
The Daily Journal
smdailyjournal.com
May 29, 2009
A 17-year-old Hayward boy accused of posing as a magazine salesman to attack two women working in a residential care home will stand trial on multiple felonies including attempted rape, assault with the intent to commit rape and residential burglary.

Christopher Joseph Cortez is also charged with misdemeanor false imprisonment. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges but was held to answer yesterday after a preliminary hearing on the evidence. He returns to court June 11 to enter a Superior Court plea and set a trial date.

Although Cortez is a juvenile, prosecutors charged him as an adult under California’s Proposition 21. If convicted of all charges, he faces 15 years to life in prison.

San Mateo police arrested Cortez March 19 after two women in their 50s reported being held against their will by a man who came to their residential care home workplace in the 2600 block of Holland Street and claimed to be selling magazine subscriptions. The women said the man came to the door about 8:10 p.m. and asked for a drink of water after they declined a subscription. They let him in and then he left but reportedly returned approximately 15 minutes later.

The male, later identified as Cortez, entered the home and ordered the women to remove their clothing, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

One woman tried leaving but was blocked by the suspect. He then grabbed the second woman and tried to pull her down the hallway, prosecutors said.

The second woman fought back, scratching his face to break free and the women ran out the front door to call police. Meanwhile, the assailant fled out the back.

Police found Cortez nearby in a van with other magazine salespeople and matched the scratches on his face to the victim’s recollection of the events. Both women later identified Cortez as the male.

Cortez remains in custody in lieu of $1 million bail at the Youth Services Center.

Michelle Durand can be reached by e-mail:
michelle@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 102.
By Michelle Durand
The Daily Journal
smdailyjournal.com
San Mateo, California
Read This Story

DMPG Link:
Read More From The Daily Journal:
Posted: 03/23/2009 03:55:38 PM PDT
Christopher Joseph Cortez


Denver, Colorado
Door-to-door solicitors target homeowners
 May 29, 2009
Door-to-door solicitors target homeowners
by Dave Young Reporter
KDVR-TV
kdvr.com
May 29, 2009
DENVER - A 65-year-old Arvada woman thought she was helping two young men win a contest selling magazines, while raising money for Childrens Hospital. But Childrens tells me vehemently, they never use solicitors going door to door selling magazines to raise money. But in this case, the woman believed them and got taken. In this Arvada neighborhood folks take pride in being a friendly community, solicitors might feel welcome here. "I was taking them out of the planter, " said Darlene Yaffe as she showed me her front porch flowers. Solicitors just like two young men selling magazines who approached darlene on her porch... telling her they're in a contest to win a trip while raising money for Children's Hospital. "I just wanted to help these young men I have a big family and you know my youngest son is 21 and i thought okay I'll help them, " said Darlene. But they ended up stealing her cell phone and making lots of long distance calls and cashing three checks she'd written....which her son in law worries might lead to identity theft. "They knock on our doors all summer long, I had no idea that these kids would be doing something like that," said Mike Woods. Area police departments warn the door to door thieves will also try to enter victim's homes to steal cash and credit cards, after asking for water or to use the bathroom. "They might feel sympathy for these kids who are going door to door they've got things on their back they're working they're sweating cause it may be hot out, so they feel compelled to help them," said Susan Medina of Arvada police department. And that sympathy, especially with older victims, is exactly what the scam artists are looking to take advantage of. "I feel used and abused," said Darlene. Arvada Police started a Solicitor Verification Program a year ago and ask residents to hand out a pamphlet to anyone who comes to their door. It requires them to verify they are who they say they are. So far, no solicitors have returned them to police.
by Dave Young Reporter
KDVR-TV
kdvr.com
Denver, Colorado
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Provo, Utah
Man accused of assault may be incompetent to stand trial
 May 29, 2009
Man accused of assault may be incompetent to stand trial
KLS TV 5
ksl.com
May 29th, 2009 @ 10:43am
PROVO -- A door-to-door salesman accused of assaulting a Provo woman may not be competent to stand trial. Brian Mask is charged with attempted murder and aggravated sexual assault in connection with the incident last August. According to the Deseret News, lawyers for Mask on Thursday said competency reports show his IQ is quite low, and the judge in the case ordered him to undergo a 90-day restoration of competency procedure at the state hospital. After that he will return to court, and the judge will determine if the case can move forward.
KLS TV 5
ksl.com
Salt Lake City, Utah
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Provo, Utah
Salesman in assault case may not be competent
 May 28, 2009
Salesman in assault case may not be competent
Desert News
deseretnews.com
Published: Thursday, May 28, 2009 2:34 p.m. MDT
PROVO — A door-to-door salesman who police say assaulted a woman listening to his magazine pitch may not be competent to proceed with his case. Brian Mask, 25, is charged with attempted murder and aggravated sexual assault for allegedly dragging a woman to the back bedroom in her American Fork home where he punched, choked and sexually abused her. The 58-year-old woman had opened her door on Aug. 25 to listen to the sales pitch then briefly allowed Mask inside to get her signature, police said. Thursday in 4th District Court, attorneys presented competency reports that show Mask's IQ is quite low, indicating moderate mental retardation, said defense attorney Richard Gale. Mask was sent to the Utah State Hospital to begin a restoration of competency procedure. "The question is whether that's his true IQ or if he was not trying hard enough (on the tests)," Gale said. Prosecutor Julia Thomas said she believes Mask is competent but knows how to make himself appear less-than-competent. "He knows what's going on," Thomas said. She expects that after the 90-day review, Mask will return to court and be prepared to proceed.
Desert News
deseretnews.com
Salt Lake City, Utah
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Carlsbad, New Mexico
Police, NMSU officials warn of magazine scam
 May 28, 2009
Police, NMSU officials warn of magazine scam
From the Current-Argus
currentargus.com
Posted: 05/28/2009 08:51:24 PM MDT
CARLSBAD — Officials at New Mexico State University-Carlsbad have warned area law officers of a scam that is using the university's name. According to information from Lindell Smith of the Artesia Police Department, the scam involves a group of young people who identify themselves as a group called FLLRD. They have allegedly been going from house to house selling magazine subscriptions and telling residents that the money will go to support NMSU-C. University officials state that they have no such program and that this is a scam. The magazine subscriptions are fake, and no magazines are ever received by the buyers. Police advise that if a member of the FLLRD group approaches your home, you should send them away, or call the police. Carlsbad Police can be reached at 885-2111; in Artesia, call 746-5000.
From the Current-Argus
currentargus.com
Carlsbad, New Mexico
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Salem, New Hampshire
Police arrest 'aggressive, rude' door-to-door salesmen
 May 28, 2009
Police arrest 'aggressive, rude' door-to-door salesmen
Union Leader
unionleader.com
Thursday, May. 28, 2009
SALEM – Police believe the nine door-to-door magazine subscription peddlers taken into custody on Wednesday for " extremely aggressive and rude" behavior may be connected with four salesmen arrested last year after an alleged late night assault.

Spurred on by complaints from residents, authorities made the arrests after learning that none of the nine solicitors had a required state hawkers and peddlers license, nor had they registered with the town or the police department. Police said none of nine arrested had positive identification, complicating the situation.

One of the men, William Freeman, 29, of Detroit, Mich., already had an outstanding warrant for his arrest in Portsmouth for allegedly giving officers in that community false information. He was being held on a $250 cash bail, authorities said.

Another, Keyinna Jones, 20, of Baltimore, Md., has also been charged with false reports to law enforcement and is being held pending positive identification. Police also charged Lydia Thomas, 26, of Norristown, Pa., with operating a motor vehicle without a license. Thomas was released with a court summons.

Four arrested after fight in Salem Wendy's parking lot (4)

According to Capt. Shawn Patten, residents complained that the magazine salesperson would not take no for an answer. In one incident, Patten said a salesoperson tried to follow a resident into her home during the sales pitch.

While authorities have not learned who the nine salespeople work for, Patten said they may have been part of the same group or company as four other men arrested last summer.

On the night of June 26, officers took the four door-to-door magazine salesmen into custody after a passerby saw two of the men assaulting a third in the parking lot of a Wendy's restaurant on North Broadway Street. According to police, the man was refused dinner and then beaten by his supervisor and a co-worker for failing to meet his sales quota.

Though police believed the men were originally from Chicago and worked for Pargon Sales Midwest Clearing going door-to-door selling magazine subscriptions, none of them could produce positive identification, and they listed a Lowell, Mass., hotel as their residence.

The four had registered with Salem police per state law before their arrests, though authorities took steps to remove the group from the community and at the time urged residents and businesses to report any further contact with them.

Now police are taking similar measures, urging residents to contact department at 893-1911 if they are approached by a magazine salesperson. Police continue to try and verify the identifies of the nine arrested, Patten said.
Union Leader
unionleader.com
Manchester, New Hampshire
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Plano, Texas
BBB warns about door-to-door magazine sales
 May 27, 2009
BBB warns about door-to-door magazine sales
From staff reports
Star Community Newspapers
(Created: Wednesday, May 27, 2009 9:03 AM CDT)
In a release from its Dallas office, the Better Business Bureau warns 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, the BBB system 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.

Two of those businesses are in the North Texas area - Lone Star Subscriptions and RLA, INC., both of Aubrey, Texas. Complaints on these businesses allege misleading sales pitches, non-delivery of magazines, and difficulties with refunds.

Many door-to-door magazine sales companies employ crews of high school and college-age people who are trying to earn money over the summer. These crews are sent to communities to knock on doors and sell magazines - sometimes without appropriate licensing. In the sales pitch, the representative might explain they are working to help get their lives back on track, raising money on behalf of a charity or for a school trip or even selling subscriptions to support troops in Iraq.

“Because sales representatives are typically high school or college-age, victims readily believe the potentially fictitious sales pitch and often pay several hundred dollars for the subscriptions by personal check given directly to the sales reps,” said Jeannette Kopko, spokesperson for the Dallas BBB. “Most complaints against such companies allege that sales reps took their check and the magazines never arrived, however, some complainants also allege being subjected to high-pressure and misleading sales tactics.”

In the last year the BBB system has received complaints on more than 50 companies conducting door-to-door magazines sales and following are a few examples:

Lone Star Subscriptions has been the subject of 139 complaints to the BBB in the last 12 months. A woman in College Station says she ordered a magazine from a sales rep who entered her home claiming to sell magazines to win a trip for a school organization. A complaint from an Illinois consumer stated that a young woman said she was trying to earn money for a high school trip (like a fund-raiser).

Complaints allege non-receipt of magazines or promised refunds, and difficulties getting in touch with the company.

There have been 47 complaints in the last 12 months on RLA INC. Complaints also are concerning the sales pitch and non-delivery of magazines. One complaint from Buffalo, N.Y., states that the sales representative said she was selling the magazine subscriptions in order to earn 'points' toward a trip, but the customer has not received a magazine. A Tennessee customer said a young man knocked on the door and said he was selling magazines for a school trip. “I would never pay $44 for a magazine subscription, but I thought I was helping this very nice, personable young man. My mistake,” said the complainant.

Other door-to-door magazine companies from around the country with “F” ratings from BBB include Trinity Public Relations, Seedtime Publications, Prestige Sales LLC, Omni Horizons Inc., True Visions Inc., Greater Image Inc., and Fresh Start Opportunities.

“Experience tells us that customers aren’t the only victims of this scam; the young salespeople are also potentially being taken advantage of by their employers and forced to work long hours, endure substandard living conditions and have their wages withheld from them,” said Kopko.

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.

The Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan Dallas, Inc., is an independent, non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization's high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides services for both BBB Accredited Businesses and non-accredited businesses. BBB services include BBB Reliability Reports on businesses, complaint resolution services, advertising review, and information on topics affecting marketplace trust. The BBB serving Dallas and Northeast Texas was founded in 1920 and is one of 128 BBBs serving the U.S. and Canada. The BBB System evaluates and monitors more than 3 million local and national businesses and charities.
From staff reports
Star Community Newspapers
Plano, Texas
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Ashland, Kentucky
Police Speak Out About Local Door to Door Sales
 May 27, 2009
Police Speak Out About Local Door to Door Sales
Posted: 12:45 PM May 27, 2009
Last Updated: 12:45 PM May 27, 2009
Reporter: Chris Atkins
wsaz.com
Email Address: chris.atkins@wsaz.com
ASHLAND, Ky. (WSAZ) -- Police in Ashland, Kentucky say a home security company needs to be licensed to operate within the city and pay its occupational tax before it can operate again in Ashland. Major Todd Kelley with the Ashland Police Department says officers responded last Friday to a South Ashland neighborhood after receiving many calls reporting suspicious persons and requesting extra patrols. Police questioned the door to door sales people and found out they were employed by APX Alarm Systems out of Provo, Utah. They were accompanied by 20 other associates doing business in Ashland. Officers checked and found that the employees were operating without a City of Ashland business privilege license and were unable to provide documentation of the license which they advised was on file in their corporate office. Without documentation of the license, two members of APX management were cited for violations of the Ashland City Ordinance and were ordered to immediately cease operations. A spokesperson with APX tells WSAZ.com the licensing issue will be cleared up. In Pike County, police are putting out a warning on people selling fraudulent magazine subscriptions. Sgt. Chris Edmonds of the Pikeville Police Department says these sales people work for a company called American Circulation Enterprise. Edmonds says ACE operates like a business, promising college-age individuals a chance to travel the country making money selling magazine subscriptions. He says they sell magazines that are fraudulent. Police received a complaint that a man staying at the Days Inn was soliciting the fake subscriptions. Sgt. Edmonds says the man is known by several aliases. If you bought a subscription from ACE you should contact police and stop payment.
Reporter: Chris Atkins
wsaz.com
Ashland, Kentucky
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Madison County, Mississippi
Beware of magazine scams
 May 27, 2009
Beware of magazine scams
By staff reports
mcherald.com
May 27, 2009
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns consumers about the increase in fraud among door-to-door students selling magazine subscriptions. The scam occurs when the peddlers - typically with a hard-luck story or earning money for charity - take orders and then the magazines never arrive. “Because sales representatives are typically high school or college-age, victims easily believe the fictitious sales pitch and often pay too much money,” said Bill Moak, President/CEO of the Mississippi BBB. “The BBB has received more than 1,000 complaints in the last year from 46 states.” In some cases the students have also been victims. They were hired by a company to sell magazines door-to-door and then never paid their promised commissions. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Cooling Off Rule requires that you must be offered a cancellation form any time you spend more than $25 from door-to-door salesman. You also are allowed three days to cancel the order. “If you are not offered a cancellation form, don’t buy – plain and simple,” Moak continued. “It’s usually more safe to buy from students you know or from students who represent local school fund raising efforts.”
By staff reports
mcherald.com
Madison County, Mississippi
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North Texas
BBB Warns Of North Texas Magazine Sales Scam
 May 26, 2009
BBB Warns Of North Texas Magazine Sales Scam
Reporting
Nerissa Knight
CBS 11 News
May 26, 2009 5:05 pm US/Central
NORTH TEXAS (CBS 11 News) - In some cases, simply answering a doorbell ring can open the door for scams and trouble. The Dallas Better Business Bureau has issued a consumer alert, concerning certain door-to-door salespeople. A group, claiming to be magazine salespeople, is apparently making the rounds across North Texas. John Davis said he was approached at his home in the Lakewood area of Dallas. "We got solicited by a guy [who] said if we give him money for his magazine subscriptions it would help pay his way to college." Davis didn't fall for the pitch. Davis works for an insurance designer company in Dallas and said he learned a lot after he and his co-workers had an interesting conversation. Apparently several employees, each living in different North Texas cities, had been solicited by probable cons. Davis' co-worker, Debra Holt, was approached outside her house. "The same thing happened to me," she explained. "I was out doing yard work and I was approached by two men saying they were out selling magazines… trying to get college funds." Rockwall resident Allison Gooch says she fell for the con. "My husband gave them a check for the exact same book - the Humpty Dumpty. I was home alone and he [the fake salesperson] caught me, and my daughter said it was the exact same gentleman," explained Gooch. Gooch works as a case manager and said she trusted the young man who came to her door posing as a college student and magazine salesman. It was a month before that her husband gave the fake salesman money for publications and books for their kids. In all the Gooch family was taken for $88, but officials with the Better Business Bureau and local law enforcement say it could've been worse. On March 30th, Grand Prairie police say Daniel Deshawn Neal raped an elderly woman and set her on fire, after posing as a door-to-door salesman. In the last year, the BBB has received more than 1,100 complaints from people in 46 states and the District of Columbia against more than 50 companies. Two of those businesses are in North Texas -- Lone Star Subscriptions and RLA, Inc., both in Aubrey. RLA, the same company the Gooch family gave their money to, has had 47 consumer complaints in the last 12 months. Most issues involved high-pressured sales pitches and non-delivery of magazines. Jeanette Kopko is with the Dallas BBB and she says while many magazine subscription operations are legitimate, several aren't operating their business appropriately and a few may just be scams. "People complain that they don't get it [magazines] at all and then they have to try and get their money back or get the magazine [subscription] started," she said of the problem companies. Consumers should keep in mind that, especially during hard economic times, while legitimate businesses are coming up with more creative ways to get your money, criminals are also getting craftier. Before buying anything, consumers are advised to research the company with their local Better Business Bureau before handing out money for a magazine subscription. For now, Allison Gooch has hopes for others and herself. "I hope no one else falls for this and I want my money back!" she said. CBS 11 News tried contacting several questionable subscription companies, including one in Aubrey, but did not receive a response.
Reporting
Nerissa Knight
CBS 11 News
cbs11tv.com
North Texas
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Ashland, Kentucky
Consumer Alert
Magazine Sales Company:
American Circulation Enterprises
Magazine Clearinghouse:
Publishers Consulting Corporation
Web Site:
http://www.mag-full.com

Information obtained from: Indiana Secretary of State
American Circulation Enterprises
613 FRANKLIN STREET,
MICHIGAN CITY, IN 46360

Registered Agent(name, address, city , state , zip):
RUTH MOKRYCKI
613 FRANKLIN STREET
MICHIGAN CITY , IN 46360

Principals(name, address, city, state, zip - when provided)
WILLIAM E. FERRELL
Director
613 FRANKLIN STREET
MICHIGAN CITY , IN 46360

JOHN F. LAKE
Incorporator
2601 EAST MICHIGAN BLVD
MICHIGAN CITY , IN 46360

Publishers Consulting Corporation
613 Franklin Square
Michigan City, Indiana 46360
(219) 874-4245
(219) 872-8961 (Fax)
Registered Agent(name, address, city , state , zip):
ROBERT W LAKE
613 Franklin Sq.
MICHIGAN CITY , IN 46360

Principals(name, address, city, state, zip - when provided)
LAKE ROBERT W.
President
613 Franklin Sq.
MICHIGAN CITY , IN 46360

Ruth Mokrycki
Secretary
613 Franklin Sq.
MICHIGAN CITY , IN 46360

May 24, 2009
Consumer Alert
Posted: 9:30 PM May 24, 2009
Last Updated: 9:30 PM May 24, 2009
Reporter: Chris Atkins
WSAZ NewsChannel 3
Email Address: chris.atkins@wsaz.com
ASHLAND, KY (WSAZ)-Police in our area don't want you to get scammed. Ashland police say watch out for people coming to your neighborhood selling home alarm systems.

Last Friday, officers responded to a South Ashland neighborhood after receiving many calls reporting suspicious persons and requesting extra patrols.

Police questioned the door to door sales people and found out they were employed by APX Alarm Systems out of Provo, Utah. They were accompanied by 20 other associates doing business in Ashland.

Officers checked and found that the employees were operating without a City of Ashland business privilege license and were unable to provide documentation of the license which they advised was on file in their corporate office.

Without documentation of the license, two members of APX management were cited for violations of the Ashland City Ordinance and were ordered to immediately cease operations. The APX website states that they are authorized to operate in our area which currently can't be confirmed.

In Pike County, police are putting out a warning on people selling fraudulent magazine subscriptions.

Sgt. Chris Edmonds of the Pikeville Police Department says these sales people work for a company called American Circulation Enterprise.

Edmonds says ACE operates like a business, promising college-age individuals a chance to travel the country making money selling magazine subscriptions. He says they sell magazines that are fraudulent.

Police received a complaint that a man staying at the Days Inn was soliciting the fake subscriptions. Sgt. Edmonds says the man is known by several aliases.

If you bought a subscription from ACE you should contact police and stop payment.
Reporter: Chris Atkins
WSAZ NewsChannel 3
Email Address: chris.atkins@wsaz.com
wsaz.com
Ashland, Kentucky
Read This Story



Direct selling aka network marketing recession-proof! My foot!
 May 22, 2009
Corporate Frauds Watch
Direct selling aka network marketing recession-proof! My foot!
Posted by Shyam Sundar at 01:26
Sunday, 24 May 2009
Unemployment is rising. Loans are hard to get. Foreclosures are skyrocketing; small business owners are closing their doors. Into this sad situation comes multi-level marketing (MLM), claiming to offer consumers a "fall back" or rescue. They call it "direct selling" and they claim it is "recession-proof." The problem is, the "income opportunity" peddled by most multi-level marketing companies is not direct selling. Direct selling during a Recession is a possible income opportunity, but it is certainly not a safe haven. It is not recession proof. In fact, it is among the hardest jobs in the world, with huge turnover and very little profit potential. What product would people need to buy from a friend or neighbor - at higher prices - than they can readily buy in stores or online? And how much does it cost in time and money to do the marketing, selling, delivering, and servicing? In reality, the "direct selling" offered as "network marketing" is just the age old "endless chain" trick. You pay money to the MLM for the right to sell the MLM opportunity to others who pay money for the opportunity sell the MLM opportunity to others who will pay money to do the same. What is the opportunity, you ask? It's the opportunity to sell the opportunity! Get it? To make a profit each person needs many more people below them. This is also called a pyramid scheme. Later investors pay earlier ones, with each level growing geometrically. The pyramid money is disguised as fees, marketing and sometimes inventory. In nearly all cases, the "inventory" is higher priced than similar goods in stores, yet the direct selling industry claims consumers will buy more when the economy goes down! In fact, they claim people make money in direct selling when times are good and when times are bad! This may sound familiar. It is exactly the same claim made by billion-dollar-fraudster, Bernard Madoff. He too said his investors would profit from his scheme, in good times or bad. The fact is that the true "product" that is being purchased in most direct selling schemes is the right to sell the opportunity to others. The opportunity to sell the opportunity! As to the clam that the money is really for "products" and "business costs", not just the opportunity to sell the opportunity, the question must be asked: why would unemployed people, who may be facing home foreclosures, buy expensive and relatively unknown products during a Recession? And, as to why "direct selling" increases during a Recession, the related question must be asked: why would consumers buy more of these higher priced products during a downturn? Unemployed consumers can be persuaded to buy high priced products ranging from weight loss pills to chocolate - if they are told they will get all their money back plus a big profit when they recruit others to do the same! In other words, this is a classic money transfer dressed up to look like a business. The money a few will get comes from the losses of many others "below" them. At the end will be the vast majority who will not - and cannot - find enough new "buyers." The promise that everyone can find a "safe haven" in this money transfer scheme is a cruel lie. The result of falling prey to an "endless chain" recruitment scheme will be even greater losses for thousands of people who spend their remaining savings, or take on more debt, to join a MLM scheme. The Direct Selling Association (DSA) has been selling the bogus idea of a "safe haven" and recession-proof business to the media. Some journalists have bitten the hook. Recently the New York Times took the bait and reported bogus figures about "median income" levels of MLM participants. However, it did at least include a warning about recruitment schemes and included the Pyramid Scheme Alert website as a resource. However, the New York Times refused to correct the mistaken numbers about "median income". The Times defended the figure on the grounds that it accurately reported what the Direct Selling Association told them! The DSA is not a government agency. It is a lobbyist and PR promoter of multi-level marketing. The article stated, "The barriers to entry (in direct selling) are fairly minimal. Start-up kits - required by most companies - cost about $99 on average... The median income from direct selling is $2,400 annually, according to the (Direct Selling) association, but those who recruit and manage others can earn significantly more. "These two figures - $99 "on average" to start up and a "median income" of $2,400 - are spectacularly misleading. --True start-up costs (the fee is just the first cost) can be in the thousands and may require monthly inventory purchases and even more costs for "marketing and motivation."--As for income, 99% of all MLM participants lose money. The $2,400 figure of "median income" (half of all MLMers would make more if that is the "median") is pure fiction. -- For half of all direct sellers to earn $2,400 (median income), as the DSA told the NY Times, the total sales of direct sellers would have to be far more than $100 billion! And, all the MLMers would have to be retailing all their products!-- The DSA misleads with numbers about "retail" sales, but almost any number used would be fake. Most its members do not track retail sales. This is because most MLMers don't make retail sales! They only recruit other "direct sellers." The direct selling claim is just a camouflage for recruitment scams. Far from providing a safe haven during a Recession, MLM schemes actually widen the wealth gap; they sap resources from most people who invest and siphon the money to a small group of promoters; they entice people to try to make money off their friends' and family's losses. In the midst of a Recession, MLM has found a great new market - unemployed people, desperate for income. Other industries are also profiting - gambling, lotteries, payday loans, and bankruptcy lawyers.

No More Silence: Take Action
Over the last eight years, Pyramid and Ponzi schemes have grown and spread. The Internet is now choked with "cash gifting" scams and "matrix selling" frauds. Pyramid selling scams have multiplied and now boast that the Recession will bring them more desperate "recruits." The false promise of income from an "endless chain" recruitment scheme is the lure of these multi-level marketing scams. Many of the "job" and "business opportunity" solicitations on the internet are nothing more than pyramid schemes, flim-flam frauds. Consumers now have a way to fight back.
Posted by Shyam Sundar at 01:26
Corporate Frauds Watch
Posted by Shyam Sundar at 01:26
corporatefraudswatch.blogspot.com
Read This Story


Madison, Wisconsin
Door-to-door cleaning product man a scammer
 May 22, 2009
Door-to-door cleaning product man a scammer
The Capital Times — 5/22/2009 7:30 am
madison.com
A man going door to door selling cleaning products on the far west side was more intent on cleaning out wallets than getting spots out of carpets, Madison police reported. The scammer was operating in the 7800 block of Oakbrook Circle and was reported to police at about 5 p.m. Thursday. The seller had a number of things working against him, according to Lt. David McCaw. "He didn't have a permit issued by the city to every door to door salesman, he had no identification, he overcharged the sales tax to one buyer and the phone number he gave for the 'home office' was not truthful," McCaw said. "We want to remind people to use caution when dealing with this type of sales person," McCaw added. No arrests were made.
The Capital Times
madison.com
Madison, Wisconsin
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Dothan, Alabama
Two suspects arrested in Ozark home invasion
 May 22, 2009
Two suspects arrested in Ozark home invasion
By Jim Cook
DOTHAN EAGLE
Published: May 22, 2009
OZARK—Two suspects in a Wednesday home invasion robbery are in custody and another remains at large. Ozark Police arrested Travis T. Marshall, 16, of Dothan, and Rodney J. Whigham, 25, of Dothan and charged them with first degree burglary. They are currently being held in the Dale County Jail without bond. The two men were arrested after investigators traveled to Henry Green Apartments in Dothan and interviewed several individuals and collected evidence. Ozark Police Chief Tony Spivey said a third suspect, Benjamin Jarred Carroll, 19, had fled the Dothan area on board a Greyhound bus. The bus was stopped at 2 a.m. near Athens Friday by Alabama State Troopers and Limestone County Deputies, but Carroll had already gotten off the bus. Two of the suspects entered the Skipperville Road home of an elderly Ozark couple on Wednesday after one of them had gained entry to the home pretense that he was selling magazines. Once inside they held the couple at gunpoint and taped one of their victims to a chair. The Ozark Police Department was aided in the investigation of this crime by the Dothan Police Department, the Dale County Sheriff’s Office, the Dale County District Attorney’s Office and the Wiregrass Violent Crimes and Drug Task Force.
By Jim Cook
DOTHAN EAGLE
dothaneagle.com
Dothan, Alabama
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Lafayette, Louisiana
BBB Warns Against a Summer Scam Going Door-to-Door Nationwide
 May 21, 2009
BBB Warns Against a Summer Scam Going Door-to-Door Nationwide
KATC3
Acadiana's Newschannel
katc.com
Posted: May 21, 2009 05:26 PM CDT
Updated: May 21, 2009 05:26 PM CDT
The Better Business Bureau of Acadiana is warning 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.

Many of these companies employ crews of high school and college-age people who are trying to earn money over the summer. These crews are sent to communities to knock on doors and sell magazines-sometimes without appropriate licensing. In the sales pitch, the representative might explain they are working to help get their lives back on track, raising money on behalf of a charity or for a school trip or even selling subscriptions to support troops in Iraq.

Because sales representatives are typically high school or college-age, victims readily believe the potentially fictitious sales pitch and often pay several hundred dollars for the subscriptions by personal check given directly to the sales reps. Most complaints against such companies allege that sales reps took their check and the magazines never arrived, however, some complainants also allege being subjected to high-pressure and misleading sales tactics.

In the last year the BBB across the nation has received complaints on more than 50 companies conducting door-to-door magazines sales and following are a few examples:

The BBB serving Charlotte has received 286 complaints against two magazine companies. Complainants report not receiving the subscriptions they paid for and some allege sales reps used high-pressure sales tactics. In one example, a woman called the police after feeling threatened by a sales rep that became angry when she wouldn't buy a magazine. Some sales reps have also allegedly told prospective customers that they would not be able to eat that day if they didn't buy their magazines. The company was closed down by the Attorney General in N.C. and has also closed in S.C.

The BBB serving Central, Northern and Western Arizona has received 33 complaints from 12 states regarding another magazine sales company. In addition to not receiving magazines they paid for, complainants allege sales reps lied about being neighborhood youth who were trying to earn money for a school trip to Europe, while other customers were led to believe they were purchasing magazines subscriptions for troops deployed to Iraq.

Other door-to-door magazine companies with F ratings from BBB include:

Michigan City, IN-based Omni Horizons Inc. , which has received 122 complaints from consumers in 17 states according to the BBB Serving Northern Indiana;

Chesapeake, VA-based True Visions Inc. , which has received 82 complaints from 13 states according to the BBB of Greater Hampton Roads;

Memphis-based Greater Image, Inc. , which has received 71 complaints from 16 states according to the BBB serving the Mid-South; and,

Seattle-based Fresh Start Opportunities , which has received 66 complaints from seven states according to the BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington.

Experience tells us that customers aren't the only victims of this scam; the young salespeople are also potentially being taken advantage of by their employers and forced to work long hours, endure substandard living conditions and have their wages withheld from them.

Your 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 at www.ag.state.la.us .

For more advice on go to www.bbb.org research library for consumer savvy information or call 981-3497.
KATC3
Acadiana's Newschannel
katc.com
Lafayette, Louisiana
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Seguin, Texas
City weighs ordinance to oust solicitors
 May 19, 2009
City weighs ordinance to oust solicitors
By Jessica Sanders
The Gazette-Enterprise
Published May 19, 2009
SEGUIN — Seguin residents may soon have fewer uninvited knocks at the door. City Attorney Ross Fischer will go before council tonight to present the draft of an ordinance regulating door-to-door solicitations and establishing a peddler’s permit for those selling door-to-door in Seguin neighborhoods. In a memo to council, Fischer explained that the Supreme Court has long invalidated ordinances by a city that would regulate door-to-door sales or passing out of pamphlets. However, a recent finding by the court indicates that commercial advertising and soliciting of funds may be restricted, as long as the ordinance did not interfere with free speech. “Core free speech principles such as religious and political speech should not be regulated,” Fischer said, explaining that the ordinance would be focused on those with a commercial purpose. Salespeople and those seeking funds for commercial purposes would be restricted. Meanwhile, those passing out information or seeking funds for a non-profit, religious or non-commercial organization and youth fundraising activities would remain unregulated. Fischer said that those seeking a peddler’s license, or city approval to sell door-to-door, would undergo careful scrutiny. “The ordinance calls for an extensive application for someone seeking a peddler’s license, establishes a permit fee, authorizes a background check, sets forth grounds for permit revocation and creates offenses for violating the terms of the ordinance,” he said. “It is specifically designed to protect residents from intrusion and fraud, while avoiding any unconstitutional restrictions.” Council is expected to make recommendations to the draft. While council members may vote on the ordinance during tonight’s meeting, a second reading would be required before the ordinance could go into effect. Also during the meeting, City Manager Doug Faseler will discuss bids on the renovation of the municipal annex building and council will consider applications by companies seeking a franchise for waste hauling services. Council will meet at 5:30 p.m. today at City Council Chambers, 210 E. Gonzales St.
By Jessica Sanders
The Gazette-Enterprise
seguingazette.com
Seguin, Texas
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Spreading canards through newspapers by Direct selling companies
 May 15, 2009
Spreading canards through newspapers by Direct selling companies
Corporate Frauds Watch
Posted by Shyam Sundar at 23:48
Friday, 15 May 2009
An article published on May 14 in the Business Line daily newspaper, published from the stable of the Hindu Group of Publications revealed how newspapers could be utilised to spread canards to the advantage of the Direct selling racketeers. A press meet showering lavishing gifts on the reporters would help these fraudulent companies to get whatever they want published. The article with the headline 'Direct selling on the go' by Tunia Cherian reveals how best an article could be written hiding the facts between the lines. Indian Direct Selling Association's projection of 20 per cent growth in 2008-09 is highlighted in the article. But the reporter hastily adds that the actual figures will be released only after its annual survey is formally released in July. Lies, lies and more lies, nothing but lies. The journos are generally carried away by the statements of these companies' public relation officers. They never care to check and cross-check to know whether what these people are saying true or not. Interestingly, there are more than one interviews clubbed together. The statements by the heads of Tupperware, Hindustan Unilever Network, Amway India and the comments of secretary general of IDSA are also included in the story. Interestingly, the direct selling industry claims an increase of turnoever to Rs. 2,851 crore in 2007-08, as against the Rs. 2,522 crore in 2006-07. They never say whether the subscription amount from the new members and renewal fee from the existing distributors also included in the turnover. In fact, that is the biggest racket indulged in by all these companies. The article also highlights the exorbitant price of these products. However, people who afford them are only buying these products, it is justified. Readers who go through this article may assume that direct selling is a great idea and they may try their hand to burn their fingers. Hence, my fellow countrymen, do not fall for the sweet talk of these fraudsters through the columns of newspapers and lose your hard-earned money. Save it for your children or at least enjoy it. Do not help these fraudsters to line their pockets with your money.
Posted by Shyam Sundar at 23:48
corporatefraudswatch.blogspot.com
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Oakland, California
Elder crime spotlighted after slaying of widow
 May 14, 2009
Elder crime spotlighted after slaying of widow
Henry K. Lee, Chronicle Staff Writer
San Francisco Chronicle
Thursday, May 14, 2009
(05-13) 20:59 PDT Oakland --
The beating death of a 97-year-old Oakland woman and other recent Bay Area crimes involving the elderly are grim reminders of the dangers that retirees can face, especially if they live alone, authorities said Wednesday.

Ivarene Lett's body was found Monday night in her condominium in the quiet Adams Point neighborhood near Lake Merritt. Acquaintances described her as independent and active, a widow who attended weekly dance exercise classes and still drove her Chevrolet Caprice after renewing her driver's license just a few months ago.

No arrests have been made, and a motive for the slaying isn't clear, said police spokesman Officer Jeff Thomason.

With police keeping mum on details of the investigation, residents of the 71-unit Van Buren Tower at 320 Lee St., where Lett lived, wondered if the killer was someone close to her or someone who had insinuated himself into her life. Lett lived alone and had no caretaker but was visited regularly by her niece, who found Lett's body, police said.

The slaying has so alarmed residents that management decided to change the outside locks, building superintendent Hervene Spurrier said Wednesday.

"It's going to make the tenants feel a whole lot better, and they are frightened," Spurrier said.

Lett was the oldest homicide victim in Oakland history. Her killing and other recent Bay Area crimes have cast a spotlight on the vulnerability of elderly people, who are more susceptible to fraud, Internet and phone scams, and crimes motivated by financial gain, authorities say.

In 2005, 90-year-old Anna Elizabeth Vuori was raped and killed in the Lafayette home where she lived by herself. Traveling magazine salesman Richard Craig McNew, 34, bound and gagged her before fleeing with $18,000 in savings bonds, $200 in cash and Vuori's keys. He was linked to the slaying by DNA and was sentenced earlier this year to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

In 2000, an employee of a used-appliance store was accused of fatally beating 87-year-old Victoria Sousa, a widow who lived alone in her Pinole retirement home.

In San Francisco, 84-year-old Ellen Gutierrez was held prisoner in her Mission District apartment in 2005 by six gang members who dealt drugs from her home and even ate her free senior meals.

Such crimes represent suffering that is "usually invisible to outsiders," said Elena Portacolone, a UCSF doctoral candidate in medical sociology who is researching the plight of San Franciscans over 75 living alone.

"While Ms. Lett saw her niece, others may be homebound and never have visitors," Portacolone said. "It is time to increase the public awareness of how difficult it is to live alone at home in older age."

Mayor Ron Dellums has announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of Lett's killer or killers. Anyone with information is asked to call Oakland police at (510) 238-3821.

E-mail Henry K. Lee at hlee@sfchronicle.com.
This article appeared on page B - 1 of the San Francisco Chronicle
Henry K. Lee, Chronicle Staff Writer
E-mail Henry K. Lee at hlee@sfchronicle.com.
San Francisco Chronicle
sfgate.com
San Francisco, California
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Rutherford, New Jersey
Avon won't be calling, but politicians still will
 May 13, 2009
Avon won't be calling, but politicians still will
No-knock law only stops profit making solicitors
(by D.R. Foster - May 13, 2009)
South Bergenite
Rutherford, NJ
East Rutherford is considering becoming the latest town in the South Bergenite area to pass a "no-knock" ordinance, limiting the ability of canvassers, solicitors and other peddlers to knock on your door. But don’t expect not to get visits from Jehovah Witnesses, veterans or politicians.

In addition to requiring door-to-door vendors to get permits from the town, the new ordinance would create a no-knock list that residents could sign up for. Those on the list would receive stickers for their doors to let solicitors know their houses are off-limits.

The ordinance, which is still being drafted, was conceived by Councilman Jeffrey Lahullier after several residents complained about a for-profit business peddling door-to-door in their neighborhood, on a Sunday. According to Lahullier, the town had approved the canvassing.

The council has discussed creating the ordinance at the last two council meetings, and so far Lahullier said it has met with no opposition.

"It would work like the no-call lists," Lahullier said of the potential ordinance. "It’s still in the study phase at this point, but we haven’t gotten any kind of blowback from vendors."

But other towns in the area have had trouble applying their no-knock laws to also cover the variety of non-profit and religious groups that constitute a majority of canvassers.

Last year an environmental group—the New Jersey Environmental Federation (NJEF)—sued Lyndhurst over the right to conduct door-to-door canvassing in the town, claiming their civil rights were violated by borough officials.

In January 2005, the group notified the town it would be canvassing within its borders, but was stopped on its first day of activity. Police told members they needed permits. According to the NJEF’s complaint, town officials then stymied efforts to obtain the proper permits over the next two and a half years. In August 2007, when the group again notified the town it would be canvassing and were again stopped by police, the NJEF pursued legal action.

By December of last year, Lyndhurst had reformed its regulations on canvassing, but had also added—without the NJEF’s objection—a no-knock clause of its own, allowing residents to sign up and get stickers for their doors.

The NJEF was previously involved in a successful suit against the township of Wayne, in Passaic County, when a Federal District Court ruled that soliciting contributions door-to-door is a form of protected speech for non-profits, and ordinances requiring permits for non-profit canvassing were thus unconstitutional. Permit requirements for commercial solicitation remained on the books, however.

Lyndhurst’s ordinance, too, now contains exemptions for "charitable campaigns", "agenc[ies] of the county or of this state", "nonprofit political organizations" and licensed veteran and firemen groups.

Lahullier said he is aware of the issues faced by other New Jersey towns with no-knock ordinances, and he is unsure the extent to which the East Rutherford ordinance will include similar exemptions. But he also said he is not deterred by the potential for legal challenges.

"It’s a quality of life issue, and the quality of life for our residents is of the utmost importance to me," he said.

Most town ordinances, including Lyndhurst’s, require canvassers to provide names, addresses and background checks for canvassers and businesses. They also require advanced notification of when canvassing activities will be taking place.

The number of towns throughout the state with no-knock ordinances is growing, and includes Edison, Hanover, Mountainside and Franklin Lakes, among others.

One of the oldest no-knock registries in the state is in Dover Township, Ocean County. The township’s ordinance was created in 2004, after a man selling magazines door-to-door murdered a 77-year-old woman who answered the door.
(by D.R. Foster - May 13, 2009)
South Bergenite
southbergenite.com
Rutherford, NJ
Read This Story


Chino Hills, California
Adult arrested for sexual advances toward girl
 May 13, 2009
Adult arrested for sexual advances toward girl
Jannise Johnson
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
dailybulletin.com
Created: 05/13/2009 03:07:07 PM PDT
CHINO HILLS - A 24-year-old man was arrested Tuesday after he attempted to have sex with a 13-year-old girl, authorities said. Michael Jackson, 24 was arrested after he attempted to kiss and entice a 13-year-old girl into having sex, according to a San Bernardino County Sheriff's news release. Deputies responded at 3:25 p.m. to a call of a possible annoying or molestation of a child in the 2700 block of La Salle Point. When they arrived, they learned the 24-year-old suspect had come to the door selling magazines. When the victim answered the door, the suspect asked if she had ever had sex before, authorities said. He asked her to engage in sex with him and to keep it a secret. He also attempted to kiss her and get her to come outside of her house. That suspect also made sexual advances toward an adult female in a different residence. Jackson was identified during an investigation and arrested a few hours after the original report was taken. Jackson is from out of state, but his hometown was not immediately available.
Chino Hills Police Departmentwww.chinohills.org
Jannise Johnson
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
dailybulletin.com
Ontario, California
Read This Story


Bethesda, Maryland
Woman attacked near Bethesda school
 May 13, 2009
Woman attacked near Bethesda school
by Bradford Pearson | Staff Writer
Maryland Community Newspapers Online
Gazette.net
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
A woman was attacked and nearly raped near Bethesda's Sumner neighborhood Friday evening, police said. At approximately 6:50 p.m. Montgomery County Police responded to a call for an attempted rape of a 19-year-old woman near the intersection of Sangamore Road and Westpath Way in Bethesda, said Officer Meghan Duffey, a police spokeswoman. The woman was selling magazines door-to-door when she first encountered the suspect, Duffey said. The two spoke for a moment about what the woman was selling and then she continued on her way. About 15 minutes later, the victim heard someone running toward her, and turned to see the suspect. She ran to the nearby Washington Waldorf School where he knocked her to the ground, assaulted her, and attempted to remove her pants. The victim fought off her attacker and ran to The Shops at Sumner Place, a shopping center, where she located a police officer. She was then taken to a hospital for facial injuries, Duffey said. "It's very bold for some to do this," at this time of day, Duffey said. "However it was getting close to 7 o'clock, the school was probably empty and kind of deserted, and it was getting darker." The suspect was described by the victim as a white male, 35 to 45 years old, 6 feet to 6 feet 4 inches tall and has a short brown hair and a goatee.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call police at 240-773-5070.
by Bradford Pearson | Staff Writer
Maryland Community Newspapers Online
Gazette.net
Gaithersburg, Maryland
Read This Story


Montgomery County, Maryland
Police Seek Suspect in Attempted Rape
May 12, 2009
Press Release
Police Seek Suspect in Attempted Rape
Contact: Media Services Division
Phone: 240.773.5030
5/12/2009
Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Major Crimes Division – Homicide/Sex Section are investigating an attempted rape that occurred on Friday, May 8, 2009, in the area of Westpath Way and Sangamore Road in Bethesda.

At approximately 6:50 p.m., officers responded to the area for the report that a male suspect had just attempted to rape a 19-year-old female. The preliminary investigation revealed that the female victim was soliciting magazines door-to-door in the area. The victim stated that she had seen the suspect repeatedly as she was walking in the area. The suspect approached her and engaged her in conversation about what she was doing. After explaining she was selling magazines, she continued on her way.

About fifteen minutes later, she heard someone approaching her from behind. She looked behind her to observe the same suspect running toward her. She ran to the Washington Waldorf School when the suspect knocked her to the ground. The suspect assaulted the victim and attempted to remove her pants. She was able to fight off the suspect and run to the Little Falls Mall where she located a police officer. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries she sustained in the assault.

The suspect is being described as a white male, 35 to 45 years old, 6’ to 6’4” tall, has short brown hair, and a goatee. He was last seen in the area of the Washington Waldorf School.

Anyone with information about this incident or the suspect is asked to call the Major Crimes Division – Homicide/Sex Section at 240-773-5070 or the police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000. Callers may remain anonymous.
Contact: Media Services Division
Phone: 240.773.5030
montgomerycountymd.gov
Montgomery County, Maryland

Montgomery County Police Headquarters
2350 Research Boulevard
Rockville, MD 20850
240-773-5000
Read This Press Release


Natick, Massachusetts
BBB Warns Against a Summer Scam Going Door-to-Door Nationwide
 May 12, 2009
BBB Warns Against a Summer Scam Going Door-to-Door Nationwide
Trying to help a good cause could get you ripped off by fraudulent magazine salespeople
By Paula Fleming - May 12, 2009
Guest Columnist
iberkshires.com
NATICK, Mass. - Better Business Bureau warns 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.

Many of these companies employ crews of high school and college-age people who are trying to earn money over the summer. These crews are sent to communities to knock on doors and sell magazines—sometimes without appropriate licensing. In the sales pitch, the representative might explain they are working to help get their lives back on track, raising money on behalf of a charity or for a school trip or even selling subscriptions to support troops in Iraq.

“Because sales representatives are typically high school or college-age, victims readily believe the potentially fictitious sales pitch and often pay several hundred dollars for the subscriptions by personal check given directly to the sales reps,” said Paula Fleming, vice president of communications and marketing for BBB. “Most complaints against such companies allege that sales reps took their check and the magazines never arrived, however, some complainants also allege being subjected to high-pressure and misleading sales tactics.”

In the last year BBB has received complaints on more than 50 companies conducting door-to-door magazines sales and following are a few examples:

The BBB serving Charlotte has received 286 complaints against two magazine companies owned by the same couple - Trinity Public Relations in N.C. and Seedtime Publications in S.C. Complainants report not receiving the subscriptions they paid for and some allege sales reps used high pressure sales tactics. In one example, a woman called the police after feeling threatened by a sales rep who became angry when she wouldn’t buy a magazine. Some sales reps have also allegedly told prospective customers that they would not be able to eat that day if they didn’t buy their magazines. Trinity Public Relations was closed down by the Attorney General in N.C. and Seedtime Publications has also closed in S.C.

The BBB serving Central, Northern and Western Arizona has received 33 complaints from 12 states regarding Prestige Sales, LLC. In addition to not receiving magazines they paid for, complainants allege sales reps lied about being neighborhood youth who were trying to earn money for a school trip to Europe, while other customers were led to believe they were purchasing magazines subscriptions for troops deployed to Iraq.

Other door-to-door magazine companies with F ratings from BBB include:

* Michigan City, IN-based Omni Horizons Inc., which has received 122 complaints from consumers in 17 states according to the BBB Serving Northern Indiana;

* Chesapeake, VA-based True Visions Inc., which has received 82 complaints from 13 states according to the BBB of Greater Hampton Roads;

* Memphis-based Greater Image, Inc.,which has received 71 complaints from 16 states according to the BBB serving the Mid-South; and,

* Seattle-based Fresh Start Opportunities, which has received 66 complaints from seven states according to the BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington.

“Experience tells us that customers aren’t the only victims of this scam; the young salespeople are also potentially being taken advantage of by their employers and forced to work long hours, endure substandard living conditions and have their wages withheld from them,” said Fleming.

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 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 bbb.org, local law enforcement, and state Attorney General offices.

For more information about door-to-door magazines sales, reporters can contact Paula Fleming, 508-652-4855.

Paula Fleming is vice president of communications and marketing for BBB in Boston. BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. For more guidance finding work and avoiding money-making scams, go to bbb.org.
By Paula Fleming
Guest Columnist
iberkshires.com
Berkshires county, Massachusetts
Read This Story


San Diego, California
Should You Open the Door?
 May 12, 2009
Should You Open the Door?
by Heidi Ortiz ~ May 12th, 2009.
Filed under: Uncategorized.
10newsblogs.com
10News
Recently, our vivacious German Short-Haired Pointer started barking frantically at our front door. A quick look through the peek hole revealed a strange man standing on my porch. The kids were playing a loud game of freeze tag, the dog was barking….without a second thought, I opened it.

There stood a very well dressed young man. He was selling a cleaning product and was eager to tell me about it. He dove into a 15 minute sales pitch. I didn’t have the heart to stop him. Times are tough. He’s trying to make some money, I thought. When he was done, I thanked him for his professionalism but politely told him I could not afford to spend $250 on cleaning solution. He instantly became angry and accused me of wasting his time. He left rather quickly, but I could hear him yelling obscenities as he walked down the driveway. Instantly, I gave it a thought, like I should have done before I opened the door. I became worried about the safety of my family. I ticked off a man I knew nothing about. Will he come back? Should I have opened the door?

Tonight, the ITeam investigates a traveling sales crew making their rounds throughout San Diego county. We found the crew living in a Vista motel.

We wanted to find out who ran the business after a young woman who had worked for the company called us from an Oceanside bus station. She was stranded, telling our ITeam that her boss left her there. She had no money and wanted to get back home to Baltimore Maryland.

Through our research, we came across a website with an incredible amount of information on the traveling sales industry. It was developed by Phil Ellenbecker of Wisconsin. Phil’s daughter, Malinda, was working with a sales crew when the van she was traveling in crashed, killing her and 6 other crew members. My Managing Editor and I spoke with Phil on the phone. He’s a delightful man with a hearty laugh, one that helps relieve the sadness you feel after he tells you about the horrible accidents involving young adults traveling with crews. Phil’s website also warns about the dangers to people opening their doors to crew members. He lists countless reports of crimes committed by traveling salespeople while on the job.

His tremendous amount of research on the industry helped pass a new law in Wisconsin last march. It’s called Malinda’s Act , named after Phil’s daughter. The new law will protect crew members from abusive employers and set regulations that protect homeowners.

Earlene Williams of Parent Watch says this law is the best one on the books. “It’s as perfect as a law can be,” she said.

Parent Watch is a volunteer organization that helps crew members abandoned by their managers get back home. It also educates parents about dangers in the traveling sales industry. In California, salespeople over the age of 18, working door to door, are considered independent contractors. They’re exempt from California’s wage and hour laws.

The company working out of the Vista hotel is DP Sales Inc. Owner Willie Jackson has been working in the traveling sales business for years. In tonight’s ITeam investigation, Lauren Reynolds talks to him about his Vista crew.
by Heidi Ortiz ~ May 12th, 2009.
10newsblogs.com
10News
San Diego, California
Read This Story


Wichita Falls, Texas
BBB: Beware door-to-door scams
 May 12, 2009
BBB: Beware door-to-door scams
Times Record News
timesrecordnews.com
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
It’s the time of year for high school- and college-age people to go knocking on doors to sell stuff for worthwhile projects — but the Better Business Bureau warns it’s also the season for deceptive door-to-door magazine sales crews to pound the pavement, too.

“We have seen a lot of scams that revolve around door-to-door magazine sales. It has been going on for a long time,” cautioned Monica Horton, president of the Better Business Bureau of North Central Texas. “We have heard of situations where they pay and never end up receiving it (subscriptions).”

The best way to avoid door-to-door scams — ask the salesperson to show you his or her solicitation permit, which is required by the city of Wichita Falls.

“If anybody comes to their door selling anything in the city limits, they are required to have a solicitation permit,” Horton said. “Ask to see the permit. If they cannot produce one, call the police. That is just within the city limits.”

Horton also pointed out solicitors are also required to go to the BBB office and obtain a letter of reference.

“They must take the letter to the city. We check out the company and do a national search on them,” she said. “If we have a company with a bad rating, we will not issue the letter. It is part of the checks and balances before we let them on the street.

“Basically what the homeowner needs to understand is that they are selling (subscriptions) and are going to use a sales pitch. A lot of complaints revolve around selling practices. They are misleading. There are all kinds of sales pitches. It is high pressure. Don’t make a decision right then. Check things out.”

Horton also said the Federal Trade Commission has a three-day cooling off rule that gives customers 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. By law, the company must give customers a refund within 10 days of receiving a cancellation notice.

“Make sure you have a name and address, all of the contact information on the company,” she said. “Later on, if you don’t hear from them, we need that information and so does the Federal Trade Commission.”

The BBB also said customers aren’t the only victims of a fraudulent company.

“Experience tells us that customers aren’t the only victims of this scam. The young sales people are potentially being taken advantage of by their employers and forced to work long hours, endure substandard living conditions and have their wages withheld from them,” said Steve Cox, a BBB spokesperson.

The following are door-to-door magazine companies with an F rating from the BBB:

n Michigan City, Ind.-based Omni Horizons (more than 120 complaints);

n Chesapeake, Va.-based True Visions Inc. (more than 80 complaints);

n Memphis-based Greater Image Inc. (more than 70 complaints); and

n Seattle-based Fresh Start Opportunities (more than 60 complaints).

The BBB said it has received more than 1,000 complaints nationwide against more than 50 companies that are selling magazines door-to-door.

For more information, go online to www.bbb.org.

Business editor Lee Anderson may be reached at (940) 763-7533 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Anderson’s e-mail address is andersonl(at)TimesRecord News.com.
Times Record News
timesrecordnews.com
Wichita Falls, Texas
Read This Story


St. Louis, Missouri
Door-to-door scams heat up with the spring weather
 May 9, 2009
Door-to-door scams heat up with the spring weather
savvy consumer > MattHew Hathaway
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
stltoday.com
05/09/2009
The weather is reliably warm now, spring flowers are in full bloom and — according to law enforcement officials and consumer groups — door-to-door hucksters likely will be hitting the streets soon. In fact, some have already.

In mid-Missouri, the Boone County Sheriff's Department warned last month that asphalt-resealing phonies already are busy conning homeowners into paying for shoddy driveway work or paying for no work at all.

Variations of the door-to-door con include people claiming to be contractors offering a price break by using materials left over from another job, or meat deliverymen who have overstock that a restaurant didn't buy, or others selling framed pictures that used to hang in the display homes of new housing developments. Scams, all.

The Missouri attorney general's office recently put an alert on its website asking people to report springtime scammers to its Consumer Protection Division. You can file a complaint over the phone at 1-800-392-8222 or online at www.consumer.ago.mo.gov. A common, fair-weather fraud that rankles the Better Business Bureau is door-to-door magazine sales. What sets this hustle apart, the watchdog group says, is that hucksters try to play like a fiddle the heartstrings of an easy mark.

In just the last 12 months, the BBB has received 1,100 complaints about more than 50 door-to-door magazine peddlers from consumers in 46 states and the District of Columbia.

Some companies recruit teams of youths looking for summer work and train them to knock on doors and tell fictitious sob stories. They might claim to be recovering addicts or reformed criminals trying to get their lives back on track. They might say that they're raising money for a charity or a school trip or that they'll use the profits to support soldiers in Iraq, the BBB said.

"Because sales representatives are typically high school or college-age, victims readily believe the potentially fictitious sales pitch and often pay several hundred dollars for the subscriptions," said Michelle Corey, president and chief executive of the St. Louis BBB, in a prepared statement.

Needless to say, the magazines may never show up. The duped consumers, however, aren't the only victims of this swindle. The youngsters going door to door often are forced to work long hours only to have their wages withheld from them, Corey said.

Of course not every door-to-door solicitor is a con artist. Some are legitimate, and others aren't actually salesmen at all. Sgt. Tracy Panus of the St. Louis County police warns that burglars often pretend to be door-to-door solicitors in order to case homes.

"As the weather becomes nicer, we will see this kind of stuff in our neighborhoods," she said. "Thankfully, we haven't seen it so far this year."

In unincorporated St. Louis County, door-to-door solicitors are supposed to register with police, who run criminal background checks on applicants. Many municipalities have similar rules. If you're inclined to do business with someone knocking on your door, ask to see proof that they've registered with authorities.

Panus, however, suggests not even talking to solicitors. Just make sure they know the house isn't empty.

"Generally, we tell the public not to allow themselves to be solicited," she said. "Acknowledge that you're there, but don't open the door. ... If someone keeps knocking, or they harass you, or even if they just look odd, you should call us."
savvy consumer > MattHew Hathaway
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
stltoday.com
St. Louis, Missouri
Read This Story



Beware door-to-door magazine sales schemes
 May 8, 2009
Beware door-to-door magazine sales schemes
MSN Money Blog
Posted May 08 2009, 02:02 PM by Karen Datko
Filed under: savings, Consumer Affairs, consumer guide, complaints, fraud
This post comes from Lisa Wade McCormick at partner site ConsumerAffairs.com.
It's that time of year when consumers need to be wary of deceptive door-to-door magazine salespeople, who often claim they're raising money for college, charity or class trips.

The Better Business Bureau says it has received 1,100 complaints in the past year from consumers nationwide who say they lost money in fraudulent door-to-door magazine sales schemes.

The companies behind these schemes often hire high school- or college-age students and send them to neighborhoods nationwide to peddle magazines. In many cases, the salespeople do not have the licenses required to sell products door-to-door. Some use high-pressure sales tactics or make misleading statements to convince consumers to buy the magazines.

According to the BBB, some salespeople claim they're raising money to get their lives back in order. Others say the money from the magazine subscriptions will help a charity, pay for a school trip, or support the troops in Iraq.

Many consumers who've fallen for these ploys say they've never received their promised -- and paid for -- magazines.

"Because sales representatives are typically high school or college age, victims readily believe the potentially fictitious sales pitch and often pay several hundred dollars for the subscriptions by personal check given directly to the sales reps," said Steve Cox, BBB spokesman.

Salespeople victimized

The BBB says consumers aren't the only ones duped in these door-to-door magazine schemes.

"The young salespeople are also potentially being taken advantage of by their employers and forced to work long hours, endure substandard living conditions and have their wages withheld from them," Cox said.

Consumers can protect themselves from getting taken in a door-to-door magazine scheme by:

Making sure the company selling the magazines doesn't have any complaints on file with the BBB or other consumer- protection groups.

Never letting any salesperson pressure them into buying a product.

Asking the salesperson if he or she is licensed, and demanding to see a copy of the license.

Under the Federal Trade Commission's three-day Cooling-off Rule, consumers have three days to cancel orders totaling more than $25 if those purchases were made in their home -- or at a location that is not the seller's permanent place of business. The salesperson should give consumers a copy of their receipt and a completed cancellation form they can send to the company. The law stipulates that companies must give customers a refund within 10 days of receiving the cancellation notice.

Consumers who've lost money in fraudulent magazine sales schemes can file complaints with their local law enforcement agencies, their state's attorney general's office, and the Better Business Bureau.
by Karen Datko
blogs.moneycentral.msn.com
This post comes from Lisa Wade McCormick
at partner site ConsumerAffairs.com.
Read This Story


Michigan City, Indiana
BBB warns of magazine sales fraud
 Magazine Sales Company:
Omni-Horizons Inc.
President: Mrs. Kayon Ellis

May 8, 2009
BBB warns of magazine sales fraud
Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch
thenewsdispatch.com
5/8/2009 10:24:00 AM
MICHIGAN CITY - Buyer beware.

That's the warning issued by the Better Business Bureau of Northern Indiana about a common summer scam: Fraudulent magazine salespersons going door-to-door. Michigan City-based Omni-Horizons Inc. is among the door-to-door magazine companies listed in a Tuesday press release from the BBB. Omni-Horizons is not a BBB-accredited business and has received an F rating, signifying the BBB's low degree of confidence in the company's trustworthiness and willingness to resolve customer concerns. The BBB brought the matter to the attention of the Indiana Attorney General's office, and that office confirmed Thursday it is investigating the complaint, according to Molly Butters, public information officer. She said the attorney general has filed a civil investigative demand in court, similar to a subpoena, but she isn't allowed to say what that has produced. A subpoena is used to gather records for an investigation. According to the BBB Web site, Omni-Horizons Inc. was established in July 1990 and employs 300 people. It's listed location is 8557 E. U.S. 20, and the president is Mrs. Kayon Ellis. The News-Dispatch tried to contact Ellis at the phone number listed and got a recording that said all customer requests should be put in writing and faxed to the company. An attempt to request information by using the listed fax number produced the same recorded message as the one on the phone, and the fax could not be transmitted. No listing for Ellis or the company could be obtained through online directories. The News-Dispatch tried unsuccessfully to locate the business on U.S. 20. Michigan City Temporary Postmaster Mary Sprandel, asked about the address, said, "It doesn't appear to be a good number on the west and the numbers on the east don't go that high." According to the BBB of Northern Indiana, Omni-Horizons has received 122 complaints from consumers in 17 states over the past three years. The majority had to do with delivery issues and refund of exchanges issues. A total of 107 complaints were listed as resolved. The BBB cautions consumers that many of the magazine sales companies hire high school and college students. They may use a sales pitch that says they are raising money for a school trip or a charity, or to support U.S. troops in Iraq. Another pitch is telling people they're trying to get their lives back on track. Norm Stangland, area director of the BBB of Northern Indiana, said the scam may be hurting the young sales reps as well. "Experience tells us that customers aren't the only victims of this scam," Stangland said. "The young salespeople are also potentially being taken advantage of by their employers and forced to work long hours, endure substandard living conditions and have their wages withheld from them." The BBB recommends researching a company for free on the Web site www.bbb.org. Customers have three days to cancel purchases of more than $25 made in their home, based on laws enforced by the Federal Trade Commission. Victims of fraudulent activity can file a report with local police and online with the Better Business Bureau.

Contact Laurie Wink at lwink@thenewsdispatch.com.
Laurie Wink
The News-Dispatch
thenewsdispatch.com
Read This Story


Dedicated Memorial Info Clip:

Regarding the above article:
BBB warns of magazine sales fraud
May 8, 2009

Omni Horizons is a magazine sales company associated with a magazine clearing house "American Community Services" located at the exact same address:
8557 West U.S. Highway 20, Michigan City, IN 46360

American Community Services
Principal: LeVan Ellis
Phone: 219-879-4674

For more information on Omni Horizons and American Community Services:
Criminal Profiler:
Criminal Profiler: Omni Horizons
Criminal Profiler:
Criminal Profiler: American Community Services
Edumacation.Com:
http://edumacation.com/AmericanCommunityServices



Search This Website: Omni Horizons
Google Search This Site For: Omni Horizons

Search Internet: Magazine Crew: Omni Horizons
Omni Horizons

Search This Website: American Community Services
Google Search This Site For: American Community Services

Search Internet: Magazine Clearinghouse: American Community Services
American Community Services


Research:
Magazine Clearinghouse:
American Community Services, Inc.
American Community Services Website: americancommunity.com
Indiana Secretary of State:  American Community Services
Criminal Profiles: Search For: American Community Services
Magazine Scams: American Community Services
Consumer Advocacy: Edumacation.com
Consumer Advocacy Archive on American Couumnity Services:
Employer of man who killed Knoxville woman has other employees accused of same
ACS Member of National Field Selling Association: nfsa.com
ACS Sells Magazines For The Magazine Publishers of America:
magazine.org

View ACS Magazine Selling List In PDF Format


Wallingford, Connecticut
Connecticut BBB warns against a summer scam
going door-to-door nationwide
 May 8, 2009
Connecticut BBB warns against a summer scam going door-to-door nationwide
Trying to help a good cause could get you ripped off by fraudulent magazine salespeople
PR Friend Press Releases
Birmingham, West Midlands UK
prfriend.com
May 8th, 2009
Wallingford, CT - May 8, 2009 – Better Business Bureau warns that deceptive door-to-door magazine sales crews are hitting the pavement in Connecticut, and looking to earn a quick buck this summer. In the last 12 months alone, BBB’s across the nation received 1,100 complaints from consumers in 46 states against more than 50 companies that are selling magazines door-to-door. A number of these complaints were filed by Connecticut consumers.

Many of these companies employ crews of high school and college-age people who are trying to earn money over their summer break. These crews are sent to communities to knock on doors and sell magazines—sometimes without appropriate licensing. In the sales pitch, the representative might explain they are working to help raise money on behalf of a charity, for a school trip or even selling subscriptions to support troops in Iraq.

A Greater New Haven woman said a pair of students claiming they were from the University of Rhode Island, knocked on her door, said they lived “down the street,” and were selling magazines and books to “go to London.” Later, when she became suspicious, she called police, filed a report with Connecticut Better Business Bureau and put a stop on her check.

Connecticut Better Business Bureau President, Paulette Scarpetti, says victims readily believe the phony sales pitch and often pay hundreds of dollars by check. However, complaints allege the sales reps took the checks and the magazines never arrived.

“We are alerting consumers to this scam to prevent an epidemic of door-to-door magazine fraud. We encourage all Connecticut residents to be vigilant, and to inform their children, parents and grandparents about this type of operation.”

Scarpetti adds that consumers are not the only victims of this scam.

“The young salespeople also are being taken advantage of by their employers, forced to work long hours and having their wages withheld from them.”

BBB offers the following advice to avoid getting scammed by a door-to-door magazine sales scam:

•Always research the company with your Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.org before issuing 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 the state Attorney General’s office.
PR Friend Press Releases
prfriend.com
Birmingham, West Midlands UK
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Medina, Ohio
Medina Elderly Scheme
 Medina Elderly Scheme
Kristy Steeves Fox 8 Reporter
WJW-TV
fox8.com
MEDINA, Ohio -- Police in Medina say a man and a woman are posing as salespeople, going door to door in area neighborhoods, preying on people's good will and pocketing their money. Investigators say more than half a dozen people may have fallen victim to a scheme involving two people pretending to be salespeople. One victim was an elderly woman who asked that we not use her name. "She pulled out a brochure, a worn brochure of magazines and I said, 'Oh, you're selling magazines'? She said this was to help children's' reading groups overseas." The homeowner says she didn't want any magazines but offered to make a donation. She gave the salesperson a check but was told to leave the pay to order line blank. Police say that was a mistake. Medina Police Sergeant Calvin Undercoffer told FOX 8: "The person that took the order went to the bank, filled his name in and cashed the check." The victim was given a receipt for $10, but the check was altered and cashed for $110. Now police are looking for 21-year-old Jenawai Guy and 26-year-old Ashley Brown. For a 26-year-old, police say Brown has a lengthy criminal history, one that's a little longer than most, with crimes committed in Kentucky, Florida, Utah, and now in Ohio. In many cities like Medina a door to door salesperson has to register for a license to be able to do business. Investigators filed criminal charges against Brown for not having one. The victim told FOX 8: "They play on people's good will. I don't feel they have any sad feelings about the people that they take advantage of." Police say these so-called salespeople have warrants for their arrest in Florida. If anyone knows where they are they're asked to contact the Medina Police Department at (330) 725-7777.
Kristy Steeves Fox 8 Reporter
WJW-TV
fox8.com
Cleveland, Ohio
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Fairmont, West Virginia
Magazine salesman charged with obstruction
 May 7, 2009
Magazine salesman charged with obstruction
By J. Miles Layton
Times West Virginian
Published: May 07, 2009 02:22 am
FAIRMONT — After receiving numerous complaints about aggressive door-to-door salesmen attempting to sell magazines, police arrested a man who was charged with obstructing an officer. Police said one of the salesmen, Tyson Victor Hard, 18, of Marysville, Wa., was arrested Sunday and charged with obstructing an officer (for giving false information), a misdemeanor. According to the criminal complaint, Hard provided a false date of birth when he was being questioned by police on Sunday. Police said Hard had a warrant out for his arrest in Taylor County for false pretense — a misdemeanor — because he said he was a student and was collecting money for school projects such as Stop the Violence. Police said Hard is not a student. “Citizens should exercise good judgment when someone comes to your door trying to sell something,” said Police Chief Mark Hayes. Hard’s bond was set at $500, and he was taken to North Central Regional Jail. He released W ednesday after posting bond. Police said Tyson had not received a city permit needed to sell magazines. A background check is completed on each of the applicants, police said, and an actual permit is issued for the salesperson to take door to door. The organization that the person is selling for should be licensed and have the appropriate identification with them. Police said many people in diverse places such as Shinnston, Grafton, Elkins and Bridgeport have been approached by solicitors attempting to sell magazines. The Police Chief’s office advised anyone who may have purchased one of these magazines and feels they have been defrauded to contact their local law enforcement agencies. The case will be heard by Marion County Magistrate Hank Middlemas at some point in the near future.
E-mail J. Miles Layton at mlayton@timeswv.com.
By J. Miles Layton
Times West Virginian
timeswv.com
Fairmont, West Virginia
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Macon, Georgia
Authorities warn of fraudulent door-to-door sales
 Magazine Sales Companys:
Trinity Public Relations,
Seedtime Publications,
Prestige Sales LLC,
Omni Horizons,
Greater Image,
Fresh Start Opportunities,
TeamXtremSales.com

May 7, 2009
Authorities warn of fraudulent door-to-door sales
By Ashley Tusan Joyner - ajoyner@macon.com
macom.com
Thursday, May. 07, 2009
Local authorities are warning the public about schemes involving companies that send teenage sales people door to door, urging unsuspecting residents to buy magazine subscriptions and other goods they may never receive.

Kelvin Collins, president and chief executive officer of the Better Business Bureau in Macon, said in the last year, the national organization has received more than 1,100 complaints from consumers about the practice.

“Many of these companies employ crews of high school and college-age people who are trying to earn money over the summer. These crews are sent to communities to knock on doors and sell magazines — sometimes without appropriate licensing,” he said Wednesday. “In the sales pitch, the representative might explain they are working to help get their lives back on track, raising money on behalf of a charity or for a school trip, or even selling subscriptions to support troops in Iraq.

“Because sales representatives are typically high school- or college-age, victims readily believe the potentially fictitious sales pitch and often pay several hundred dollars for the subscriptions by personal check given directly to the sales reps.”

Victims have complained about paying for magazines — or children’s books, CDs and DVDs, or learning tools — that never arrived. Residents also reported being subjected to high-pressure and misleading sales tactics, Collins said.

Popular deals, he said, have been for one- and two-year subscriptions ranging from about $35 to $85, which are much higher than average yearly magazine offers. The sales teams are growing in Macon and Bibb County, he said. Some of the companies that have been complained about to the consumer watch group are: Trinity Public Relations, Seedtime Publications, Prestige Sales LLC, Omni Horizons, Greater Image, Fresh Start Opportunities and TeamXtremSales.com. “It’s probably one of the most even spread things I’ve seen happen in the county. They target neighborhoods,” Collins said. “We’re getting more and more calls. ... maybe 100 or so in the last three weeks. The sheriff’s department has been getting at least that many.

“They pull on the heartstrings of the consumer to get them to want to help and provide that extra goodwill,” he said. “But this whole thing has another side to it. We do hear from the students. The people operating in Macon are not from Macon. The kids get here and do not meet their sales quota and do not have a way back home.

“Most of the time, they really are college students working their way through school or trying to save up for school or for an overseas mission. Most of the time they don’t understand that the company that they’re selling for does not have the same interests.”

Lt. George Meadows, spokesman for the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, said sheriff’s investigators have received several complaints about the alleged scam artists.

“Some people are naturally suspicious of door-to-door salespeople, whether they’re young or old,” he said. “It’s nothing new at all. We’ve dealt with it since there were door-to-door salesmen.”

Investigations of the complaints are being taken seriously, he said, but authorities have yet to uncover a crime.

“We’re not looking at these as violations of the law as of yet because these people seem to have obtained valid door-to-door solicitation permits from the courthouse and are selling legally,” he said. “There will be a crime when these subscriptions do not show up.”

John Atkinson said he was working on the lawn at his Canyon Road home April 20, when a young man approached him selling magazines.

“He was about halfway down the driveway before I realized he was even there,” the 66-year-old north Macon man said. “He acted like he was visiting the neighborhood. He said his grandmother lived about two blocks away. He told me her name, said he was going to Tech and that he was interested in marketing.”

Atkinson said after a minutes-long sales pitch, the young salesman persuaded Atkinson to purchase his least expensive magazine package for $49. “I told him I didn’t need any magazine subscriptions. I was more concerned with helping him go to college. I gave him a check,” he said. “I’m still not real sure it wasn’t legitimate.”

Atkinson said he contacted the Better Business Bureau following the sale, having grown concerned about writing a check and putting himself at risk for identity theft.

“My wife was in the house. She sort of got irritated at me and reminded me that I probably shouldn’t have done that.” he said.

“It all may be legitimate. The boy may be earning money. The subscriptions may come. At this point, I’ve had no problems,” he said. “In fact, the check has not even cleared the bank. If I’d given him cash, I wouldn’t have worried about it.”

However, Atkinson said, he was unable to locate the seller’s grandmother in the phone book and the address he gave for her home does not exist.

Collins advises residents to research companies before making in-home purchases.

Customers also have three days to cancel purchases totaling more than $25 that are made at home or at a location that is not the seller’s permanent place of business, according to Federal Trade Commission’s Three-Day Cooling-Off Rule.

For more information, contact the Better Business Bureau at 742-7999.

To contact writer Ashley Tusan Joyner, call 744-4347
By Ashley Tusan Joyner - ajoyner@macon.com
macom.com
Macon, Georgia
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Spring brings more complaints about door-to-door sales
 May 6, 2009
Spring brings more complaints about door-to-door sales
Josh Smith
Filed under: Ripoffs and Scams, Shopping
WalletPop Blog
Weblogs, Inc. Network
walletpop.com
May 6th 2009 at 9:00AM
In most parts of the country it's finally starting to feel like spring again, making the outdoors enjoyable for all kinds of activities, including door-to-door sales. The Ohio Attorney General recently released the number of complaints that it received regarding door-to-door sales in 2008, and found that the number of complaints rise with the temperature. The Ohio State Attorney General's office found that the number of complaints began to climb in May, and peaked in July, when 83 complaints were lodged.

While door-to-door sales used to be a somewhat reputable profession, these days the products are overpriced and the sales force are often exploited. One of the most common forms of door-to-door sales pitches are for magazine subscriptions. Many times these salespeople will convince you to purchase an overpriced magazine under the guise of helping them get enough points to go on a trip to somewhere exotic; but more often than not they are just trying to get enough points to avoid sleeping on the floor that night.

The Traveling Sales Crew Information website tracks the dangerous situations that young people are put into when they join up with one of these traveling sales groups. These aren't isolated incidents, one former member of just such a crew recently shared her personal experience; being yelled at, having half her money taken away, drug dealing, alcohol abuse and an attempted assault by a customer. Make no mistake about it, selling magazines door to door is a dangerous profession.Buying a magazine, overpriced as it may be, seems like a good way to help out someone in a bad situation but all you are doing is making the company hauling these kids across the country rich and giving them incentive to keep putting young people in harm's way. Your best bet is to keep the door shut when door to door salesmen come knocking. If you really want to help, ask if you can call someone for them or get them in touch with a local family services group.

If you've already been hit up for a sale you may still have time to get a refund, you can learn more about how to do that by looking at the back of your order form and reading WalletPop's previous door-to-door magazine sale warning.
Source

http://www.imjosh.com/2006/07/12/door-to-door-magazine-sales-scam/comment-page-2/#comment-95178
Read This Story
BeenthereDonethatNot Again says:
May 2, 2009 at 1:09 pm
I also worked for a magazine company years ago. We were told that if we had enough sales aka “points”, we would get a trip to somewhere tropical. So that part seemed legit, but what got me was them keeping my money I had earned. When you are trained, the person you are with tends to be deceitful just to get an order out of a customer. I was told it was because you have to get an order or you don’t make money. Which that case was true to the bone. At first I was honest, then when I didn’t get my quota, I got a royal ass chewin from the car handler and had to sit on the floor of the van because I didn’t sell enough for a seat, then you get an ass chewin from the head boss, and whom ever was the leader of your group… What ever you sold you got half of, but out of your half, half would go onto the books for cancellation fees. So yeah, being stressed from the ass chewing, sleep deprived, and at times hungry because of walking the streets and knocking for at least ten hours a day…You tend to do things different to make money when your scared and have no real way out of this.

I asked a simple question, “Why is my half of the money responsible for the order and cancellation? Shouldn’t the amount the company takes take care of that?” I got an ass chewin for asking legit questions. When it comes to safety… HA HA, I almost got asualted by some asshole who pulled me into his apartment. The only reason he stopped was because his roommate came home. I told a friend who was in my group about it and she started crying saying. What had happened to her was worse than me. She said it was something we weren’t aloud to tell because it would scare people away from the group…

When it came to drugs… They’re were more drugs and booze drinking going on with the handlers than within the groups. There was one kid who was a salesman who did go out and sell “mags” but after I over heard a conversation he had with a car handler who drove around in a black BMW… They were discussing drug deals that the kid had made during the day.

A few days later I was pulled aside and told I was being let go. He sent me to my room to pack and his goofer/errand guy took me to a bus station and gave me enough cash to get a bus ticket and something to eat. The goofer told me I was let go because I was too smart for this type of work, and my intelligence would suit me better in other work…I was lucky that I was dropped off in Glendale Ca around 10 am.

Oddly, it has been years but I still remember the full names of major individuals in the magazine business and a few of the salesmen/women. The business is still around and the same person still runs it….

I did this type of job twice, once with mags and once with a cleaner. The cleaner crews were better than the mags. But I would not recommend these jobs to anyone!!!!! I found out a younger friend of mine started to work for one and got him out after I told him everything that had happened to me. And this was in the last two years.
Josh Smith
WalletPop Blog
Weblogs, Inc. Network
walletpop.com
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Chattanooga, Tennessee
Don't Buy Your Magazines From Door-To-Door Salesmen This Summer
 Magazine Sales Companys:
Trinity Public Relations
Omni Horizons Inc
True Visions Inc
Greater Image, Inc
Fresh Start Opportunities
Prestige Sales, LLC

 BBB Warns Against a Summer Scam Going Door-to-Door Nationwide
Trying to help a good cause could get you ripped off by fraudulent magazine salespeople
BBB
chattanooga.bbb.org
Arlington, VA – May 5, 2009 - Better Business Bureau warns 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.

Many of these companies employ crews of high school and college-age people who are trying to earn money over the summer. These crews are sent to communities to knock on doors and sell magazines—sometimes without appropriate licensing. In the sales pitch, the representative might explain they are working to help get their lives back on track, raising money on behalf of a charity or for a school trip or even selling subscriptions to support troops in Iraq.

“Because sales representatives are typically high school or college-age, victims readily believe the potentially fictitious sales pitch and often pay several hundred dollars for the subscriptions by personal check given directly to the sales reps,” said Steve Cox, BBB spokesperson. “Most complaints against such companies allege that sales reps took their check and the magazines never arrived, however, some complainants also allege being subjected to high-pressure and misleading sales tactics.”

In the last year BBB has received complaints on more than 50 companies conducting door-to-door magazines sales and following are a few examples:

The BBB serving Charlotte has received 286 complaints against two magazine companies owned by the same couple - Trinity Public Relations in N.C. and Seedtime Publications in S.C. Complainants report not receiving the subscriptions they paid for and some allege sales reps used high pressure sales tactics. In one example, a woman called the police after feeling threatened by a sales rep who became angry when she wouldn’t buy a magazine. Some sales reps have also allegedly told prospective customers that they would not be able to eat that day if they didn’t buy their magazines. Trinity Public Relations was closed down by the Attorney General in N.C. and Seedtime Publications has also closed in S.C.

The BBB serving Central, Northern and Western Arizona has received 33 complaints from 12 states regarding Prestige Sales, LLC. In addition to not receiving magazines they paid for, complainants allege sales reps lied about being neighborhood youth who were trying to earn money for a school trip to Europe, while other customers were led to believe they were purchasing magazines subscriptions for troops deployed to Iraq.

Other door-to-door magazine companies with F ratings from BBB include:

Michigan City, IN-based Omni Horizons Inc., which has received 122 complaints from consumers in 17 states according to the BBB Serving Northern Indiana;

Chesapeake, VA-based True Visions Inc., which has received 82 complaints from 13 states according to the BBB of Greater Hampton Roads;

Memphis-based Greater Image, Inc., which has received 71 complaints from 16 states according to the BBB serving the Mid-South; and,

Seattle-based Fresh Start Opportunities, which has received 66 complaints from seven states according to the BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington.

“Experience tells us that customers aren’t the only victims of this scam; the young salespeople are also potentially being taken advantage of by their employers and forced to work long hours, endure substandard living conditions and have their wages withheld from them,” said Cox.

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.
BBB
chattanooga.bbb.org
Chattanooga, Tennessee
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Fort Wayne, Indiana
BBB warns of magazine sales scam
 May 5, 2009
BBB warns of magazine sales scam
In the last year the BBB got over 1,100 complaints
wane.com
Updated: Tuesday, 05 May 2009, 9:00 AM EDT
Published : Tuesday, 05 May 2009, 9:00 AM EDT
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - BBB Warns Against a Summer Scam Going Door-to-Door Nationwide

Trying to help a good cause could get you ripped off by fraudulent magazine salespeople.

The Better Business Bureau is warning 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.

Many of these companies employ crews of high school and college-age people who are trying to earn money over the summer. These crews are sent to communities to knock on doors and sell magazines-sometimes without appropriate licensing. In the sales pitch, the representative might explain they are working to help get their lives back on track, raising money on behalf of a charity or for a school trip or even selling subscriptions to support troops in Iraq.

"Because sales representatives are typically high school or college-age, victims readily believe the potentially fictitious sales pitch and often pay several hundred dollars for the subscriptions by personal check given directly to the sales reps," said Michael Coil, President BBB of Northern Indiana. "Most complaints against such companies allege that sales reps took their check and the magazines never arrived, however, some complainants also allege being subjected to high-pressure and misleading sales tactics."

In the last year BBB has received complaints on more than 50 companies conducting door-to-door magazines sales and following are a few examples:

The BBB serving Charlotte has received 286 complaints against two magazine companies owned by the same couple - Trinity Public Relations in N.C. and Seedtime Publications in S.C. Complainants report not receiving the subscriptions they paid for and some allege sales reps used high pressure sales tactics. In one example, a woman called the police after feeling threatened by a sales rep who became angry when she wouldn't buy a magazine. Some sales reps have also allegedly told prospective customers that they would not be able to eat that day if they didn't buy their magazines. Trinity Public Relations was closed down by the Attorney General in N.C. and Seedtime Publications has also closed in S.C.

The BBB serving Central, Northern and Western Arizona has received 33 complaints from 12 states regarding Prestige Sales, LLC. In addition to not receiving magazines they paid for, complainants allege sales reps lied about being neighborhood youth who were trying to earn money for a school trip to Europe, while other customers were led to believe they were purchasing magazines subscriptions for troops deployed to Iraq.

Other door-to-door magazine companies with F ratings from BBB include:

Michigan City, IN-based Omni Horizons Inc., which has received 122 complaints from consumers in 17 states according to the BBB Serving Northern Indiana;

Chesapeake, VA-based True Visions Inc., which has received 82 complaints from 13 states according to the BBB of Greater Hampton Roads;

Memphis-based Greater Image, Inc.,which has received 71 complaints from 16 states according to the BBB serving the Mid-South; and,

Seattle-based Fresh Start Opportunities, which has received 66 complaints from seven states according to the BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington.

"Experience tells us that customers aren't the only victims of this scam; the young salespeople are also potentially being taken advantage of by their employers and forced to work long hours, endure substandard living conditions and have their wages withheld from them," said Coil.

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.

About BBB

BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization's high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability Reports TM and charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than four million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information about BBB.
wane.com
Fort Wayne, Indiana
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Omaha, Nebraska
Woman Falls for Magazine Scam
 May 5, 2009
Woman Falls for Magazine Scam
Magazines to be sent to troops
Reporter: Gary Smollen
Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com
Channel 6 News
wowt.com
Posted: 8:45 AM May 5, 2009
Last Updated: 8:45 AM May 5, 2009
An Omaha woman has contacted police, because she believes she was ripped off by a teen selling magazine subscriptions door to door. The 37-year old victim lives in the Standing Bear Lake Neighborhood and told police on Wednesday, April 29th she was tricked out of $129. The woman tells investigators a teen came to her door on April 21st, said he lived in the neighborhood and that he was selling magazine subscriptions for the Omaha Christian Academy, and that the magazines would be sent to U.S. Troops overseas. The woman purchased subscriptions to several magazines, but post dated the check so her paycheck would pass before the money was taken out. A few days later she noticed the check was cashed. The woman contacted the Omaha Christian Academy about the incident. Officials there, according to the report, told her none of their students were selling magazines door to door, and that there have been a rash of such incidents. The Omaha Christian Academy told the victim they have put together a press release informing people of the scam.
Reporter: Gary Smollen
Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com
Channel 6 News
wowt.com
Omaha, Nebraska
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Don't Buy Your Magazines From Door-To-Door Salesmen This Summer
 May 5, 2009
Don't Buy Your Magazines From Door-To-Door Salesmen This Summer
By Chris Walters, 12:41 PM on Tue May 5 2009
Consumerist
consumerist.com
Consumer Media LLC
A couple of years ago, the New York Times did a piece on the poor treatment of teens hired to travel the country and sell magazine subscriptions door-to-door, but they're not the only ones getting the raw end of the deal.

The Better Business Bureau says:

In the last 12 months alone, BBB has received complaints from consumers in nearly every state who bought magazine subscriptions from crews of young adults selling door-to-door. According to complaints, the young sales reps might claim to be neighborhood youth trying to raise money for charity, a school trip, or even for troops in Iraq. The victim pays with a check on the spot, but the magazines never arrive.

Here's basically how it works:

The companies employ "crews of high school and college-age people who are trying to earn money over the summer."

[See a list of offending companies here.]

The youths will claim they're selling magazines for all sorts of heart-melting reasons:
to get their lives back on track
to raise money for a charity
to pay for a school trip
to raise money to support troops in Iraq

In some cases, they'll use hard-sell tactics, including becoming angry if you don't buy something. You'll be asked to pay for the subscriptions immediately by check. That will be the end of it. By which we mean, you won't receive your magazines.

We think there are better ways of buying magazine subscriptions and of supporting teens, charities, and troops, and there's no reason the two worlds need to be mashed together on your front porch without warning. The BBB takes a slightly more nuanced view of the subject, however, and they provide some tips for those of you who want to buy door-to-door magazines but don't want to get ripped off. The most important one is the person selling should always provide the following two things:
a receipt
"a completed cancellation form that customers can send to the company to cancel the agreement"

The BBB notes that "by law [the FTC's Three-Day Cooling-Off Rule], the company must give customers a refund within 10 days of receiving the cancellation notice."
"BBB Warns Against a Summer Scam Going Door-to-Door Nationwide" [BBB]
Read More: Tips, Advice, Scams, Bbb, Better business, Magazines, Subscriptions, door to door, D2d, Salesmen, Teens, youths, warnings, Charities
By Chris Walters
Consumerist
consumerist.com
Consumer Media LLC
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Charleston, West Virgina
Fairmont Police Make Arrest After Door to Door Sales Complaints
 May 5, 2009
Fairmont Police Make Arrest After Door to Door Sales Complaints
Tyson Hard is also wanted by authorities in Taylor County.
Story by Karen Kiley
The State Journal
Posted Tuesday, May 5, 2009 ; 12:07 PM
FAIRMONT -- After receiving numerous complaints about aggressive magazine salespeople going door to door, the Fairmont Police have made an arrest. Tyson Hard, 18, is accused of lying about his identity to police and faces a charge of obstructing an officer. Hard is also wanted in Taylor County on a false pretense charge for allegedly telling residents that he was a student and was collecting money for a school program. Hard and other similar solicitors do not have the required permit from the City of Fairmont to sell door to door, police say. Before issuing door to door sales permits, the city conducts background checks on applicants. Police say all legitimate door to door salespeople should be able to show you a permit from the City of Fairmont.
Anyone who has a question about a door to door salesperson can call the Fairmont Police at (304) 366-4200.
Story by Karen Kiley
The State Journal
statejournal.com
Charleston, West Virgina
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Wheaton, Illinois
Trying to help a good cause could get you ripped off
by fraudulent magazine salespeople
 May 5, 2009
Trying to help a good cause could get you ripped off by fraudulent magazine salespeople
Seen in the neighborhood
The Danada East Weblog
Inviting contribution from all homeowners
danadaeast.wordpress.com
May 5, 2009 - Posted by dansommerfeld
Arlington, VA – May 5, 2009 - Better Business Bureau warns 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.

Many of these companies employ crews of high school and college-age people who are trying to earn money over the summer. These crews are sent to communities to knock on doors and sell magazines—sometimes without appropriate licensing. In the sales pitch, the representative might explain they are working to help get their lives back on track, raising money on behalf of a charity or for a school trip or even selling subscriptions to support troops in Iraq.

“Because sales representatives are typically high school or college-age, victims readily believe the potentially fictitious sales pitch and often pay several hundred dollars for the subscriptions by personal check given directly to the sales reps,” said Steve Cox, BBB spokesperson. “Most complaints against such companies allege that sales reps took their check and the magazines never arrived, however, some complainants also allege being subjected to high-pressure and misleading sales tactics.”

In the last year BBB has received complaints on more than 50 companies conducting door-to-door magazines sales and following are a few examples:

The BBB serving Charlotte has received 286 complaints against two magazine companies owned by the same couple - Trinity Public Relations in N.C. and Seedtime Publications in S.C. Complainants report not receiving the subscriptions they paid for and some allege sales reps used high pressure sales tactics. In one example, a woman called the police after feeling threatened by a sales rep who became angry when she wouldn’t buy a magazine. Some sales reps have also allegedly told prospective customers that they would not be able to eat that day if they didn’t buy their magazines. Trinity Public Relations was closed down by the Attorney General in N.C. and Seedtime Publications has also closed in S.C.

The BBB serving Central, Northern and Western Arizona has received 33 complaints from 12 states regarding Prestige Sales, LLC. In addition to not receiving magazines they paid for, complainants allege sales reps lied about being neighborhood youth who were trying to earn money for a school trip to Europe, while other customers were led to believe they were purchasing magazines subscriptions for troops deployed to Iraq.

Other door-to-door magazine companies with F ratings from BBB include:

• Michigan City, IN-based Omni Horizons Inc., which has received 122 complaints from consumers in 17 states according to the BBB Serving Northern Indiana;

• Chesapeake, VA-based True Visions Inc., which has received 82 complaints from 13 states according to the BBB of Greater Hampton Roads;

• Memphis-based Greater Image, Inc., which has received 71 complaints from 16 states according to the BBB serving the Mid-South; and,

• Seattle-based Fresh Start Opportunities, which has received 66 complaints from seven states according to the BBB serving Alaska, Oregon and Western Washington.

“Experience tells us that customers aren’t the only victims of this scam; the young salespeople are also potentially being taken advantage of by their employers and forced to work long hours, endure substandard living conditions and have their wages withheld from them,” said Cox.

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 more information about door-to-door magazines sales, reporters can contact Alison Southwick at 703-247-9376.

About BBB

BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability ReportsTM and charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than four million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information about BBB.
The Danada East Weblog
Inviting contribution from all homeowners
danadaeast.wordpress.com
Wheaton, Illinois
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Beverly, Massachusetts
Man who grabbed Beverly girl admits guilt
May 2, 2009
Magazine Sales Company:
Unified Doers
aka: U.D. Management
aka: Go Doers
aka: Unified Stars
Web Site:
http://www.udmanagementgroup.com
Man who grabbed Beverly girl admits guilt
By Cate Lecuyer
staff writer
The Salem News Online
Published: May 02, 2009 06:00 am
BEVERLY — A Philadelphia magazine salesman who grabbed a 13-year-old girl on her bike last May pleaded guilty yesterday to charges of assault and battery and accosting and annoying a person of the opposite sex. Prosecutors requested Jerwayne Hunter serve the maximum sentence, a total of three years in a corrections facility, said Steve O'Connell, spokesman for the Essex County District Attorney's Office. Hunter was 25 years old when he was arrested nearly a year ago. Salem Superior Court Judge Timothy Feeley sentenced Hunter to the 343 days he had already served. Hunter still faces a probation violation on an unrelated robbery charge in Pennsylvania courts and will remain in local custody until he's transferred to that state. The Beverly incident happened last May 23 on a path behind the Elliott Street Stop & Shop, not far from the Cummings Center. Hunter was arrested after a girl told police that a man fitting his description had jumped out of the bushes behind the supermarket and grabbed her arm while she was riding her bike home from the Dick & June's ice cream stand. He asked if she had a license for the bike. The girl said she pulled her arm back and pedaled away. During a massive search of the area, someone told police that they had seen a man matching the description the girl had given going into Stop & Shop. Police got a copy of a surveillance tape. They eventually spotted a man matching Hunter's description at Bessie Baker Park, a Little League field behind Rite Aid on Cabot Street. Hunter was here selling magazines for a company called Unified Doers in Washington, D.C., his lawyer, Thomas Gately, said at the time of his arraignment. He has four aliases and a record that includes a conviction for home invasion and robbery in Michigan, prosecutor Elizabeth Satelmajer told the judge. When police caught up with him, he told them he'd had no interaction with any child while in the area.
Staff writer Cate Lecuyer can be reached at clecuyer@salem news.com.
By Cate Lecuyer
staff writer
The Salem News Online
salemnews.com
Salem, Massachusetts
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Salisbury, Maryland
Two charged in magazine scheme
 April 30, 2009
Two charged in magazine scheme
POLICE & FIRE REPORT
April 30, 2009
delmarvanow.com
SALISBURY -- Police charged two people they believe have been allegedly selling fake magazine subscriptions to residents in Wicomico County. The Wicomico County Sheriff's Office said Brittany Nicole Harden, 20, and James Bryan Burke, 23, of Salisbury are suspected of going door-to-door in the county claiming to be selling magazines. If you believe you may have been a victim of these alleged thieves contact the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office at 410-548-4890.
POLICE & FIRE REPORT
delmarvanow.com
Salisbury, Maryland
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Oakwood, California
Phony Magazine Peddlers Door to Door in Oakwood?
 April 29, 2009
Phony Magazine Peddlers Door to Door in Oakwood?
Yo! Venice!
yovenice.com
April 28th, 2009 by Bret
First off, Yo! Venice! is not trying to be alarmist, but simply warning the neighborhood of a new problem that does not seem to be isolated.

1. Not all the kids that are magazine peddlers are casing your houses and apartments.
2. Not all the kids that are magazine peddlers are going to rob you.
3. Not all the kids that are magazine peddlers will assault you if you say “go away”.

That said we have been receiving a lot of personal emails here telling us that there is a new problem around Venice (specifically in the Oakwood Section of Venice) with young street punks robbing houses while posing as magazine peddlers. There have been multiple robberies and a mindless physical assault from these young thieves.

As you can read in our forums by clicking here, these home robberies are taking place in the late afternoon and the suspects are described by the victims as “a group of African American kids ages 14-16 wearing backpacks knocking on doors”. Any suspicious activity should be reported to the police immediately through this dispatch number: 818-734-2223.

That said, use your best judgment when opening your door to any stranger, and when returning home use your eyes and ears to make sure of your safety upon your arrival home. Please report any further activity to the police and make note of it in our forums.
Yo! Venice!
yovenice.com
Venice, California
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Bluffton, South Carolina
Police halt magazine sellers in Bluffton neighborhood
 April 27, 2009
Police halt magazine sellers in Bluffton neighborhood
By JOSH LANIER
jlanier@islandpacket.com
843-706-8137
The Packet and Gazette
Published Monday, April 27, 2009
Two men were charged with illegally selling magazines door-to-door Saturday in Bluffton, Police Department spokesman Lt. Bryan Norberg said Sunday. Door-to-door magazines sales are a common scam, and door-to-door salesmen in Bluffton must have a permit. Police are investigating whether the men were working for a legitimate company, Norberg said. The men, one from Los Angeles and the other from Colorado Springs, Colo., were spotted in the Townes at Buckwalter selling magazines around 12:30 p.m. Norberg said police believe others also might have been involved in the sales but were not located. "You need to be aware of the company you're buying things from and be wary of who you give your information to," Norberg said. "You need to make sure you're really buying what the person is selling." In February, Bluffton police were called to the Townes at Buckwalter after several complaints of people selling magazines door-to-door to raise money for a scholarship, a Bluffton press release issued at the time of the complaints said. "Be wary of anyone who comes to your home to sell you things," Norberg said. "Be careful about who gets your information." The two incidents are not connected, Norberg said.
By JOSH LANIER
jlanier@islandpacket.com
843-706-8137
The Packet and Gazette
islandpacket.com
Bluffton, South Carolina
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Fort Dodge, Iowa
Girl Scouts deny magazine sale
April 25, 2009
Magazine Sales Company:
American Cash Award
aka: Great Lakes Circulation
aka: Payne Sales
aka: Shumate Sales
aka: Magazines Inc.
17301 W Colfax Ave Ste 409
Golden, Colorado 80401-4892
(888) 888-9025
Web Site:
http://www.americancashawards.com
Girl Scouts deny magazine sale
Youths have visited FD homes seeking sales, authorities say
By BILL SHEA, Messenger staff writer
The Messegner
POSTED: April 25, 2009
Some Fort Dodge residents have recently been visited by young people claiming to be selling magazines for the Girl Scouts, but a local leader of the group says no such sale is under way. ''We are not selling magazines,'' said Sally Frotscher, regional director of the Fort Dodge Leadership Center for the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa. Frotscher said the Girl Scouts will do a magazine sale in the fall along with their annual sale of candy and nuts. She said no one who buys a magazine subscription will be asked for any money by the girls. Instead, they will receive a bill in the mail from the publishers of any magazines they order. Fort Dodge Assistant Police Chief Kevin Doty said his department has received a few reports about the alleged Girl Scout magazine sale. ''You have to be sure who you're buying from,'' he said. He said residents should question anyone attempting to sell them something. He added that if they're suspicious of a door-to-door sales situation they should call the police at 573-2323. In a separate case, a Coalville resident demanded a refund for magazine subscriptions and contacted the Webster County Sheriff's Department after she became uncomfortable with a transaction involving a young man who came to her door. Megan Sleming said the man at first indicated he was selling magazines for his school. Later, she said, he indicated he was from Omaha, Neb., and had already graduated. The individual was selling magazines for American Cash Awards Inc. of Golden. Colo. A phone call to the company's headquarters Friday evening was received by an answering machine, but it was impossible to leave a message. Contact Bill Shea at (515) 573-2141 or bshea@messengernews.net
By BILL SHEA, Messenger staff writer
The Messegner
messengernews.net
Fort Dodge, Iowa
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Layton, Utah
Door to door scammers canvas Layton neighborhoods
April 24, 2009
Magazine Sales crew:
Quality Subscriptions, Inc.
Magazine Sales Company:
United Family Circulation
303 W SHADBURN AVE.
Buford, Georgia 30518
 Door to door scammers canvas Layton neighborhoods
ABC 4 - KTVX
Last Update: 4/24 9:13 pm
Layton, Utah (ABC 4 News) - Residents of Davis County may feel a little less charitable when they hear about the scam that’s taken advantage of local good will. Someone knocks on your door selling magazines for charity. Or instead, they’ll do yard work so they can pay for a trip. Layton police say it’s bogus, but they’ve had at least a dozen complaints. In some cases, people actually gave the scammers money. Larry Nielsen was one of the victims and says he was taken in by a bogus salesman who was in his early 20’s. “He comes up and tells me his team, he played for Layton High baseball, and his team had won a trip to Hawaii, and some of the members can’t afford the fees.” Nielsen wrote the young man a $48 check to help him out, and declined the offer to clean Nielsen’s windows or tidy up his already manicured yard. Nielsen says, “The reason I talked with him is he said he was a relative of Richard Simmons, my neighbor across the street.” “Some of the tactics that come into play is that they use neighbors’ names, and they come across as if they are part of the community” says Lt. Quinn Moyes of the Layton police Department. Fortunately, Nielsen heard about the scam quickly, cancelled the check before it was cashed, and turned over a phony receipt to the Layton Police. ABC 4 called the customer service number on the receipt. It led us to another so-called company where we couldn’t reach a representative or even leave a voicemail. Also, Layton Police searched online for the company listed on the receipt, “Quality Subscriptions, Inc.”. That search led investigators to www.ripoffreport.com, where victims from Pennsylvania to California are posting comments about the scam. Police say you shouldn’t give salesmen money upfront. Also, don’t give in to high-pressure sales. If a salesman says they’ve done work for your neighbor, check with that person first before paying anyone. Police think three different men may be working together in this scam. Detectives also believe there could be more victims. If you think you’ve been scammed, call Layton Police at (801) 497-8300.
ABC 4 - KTVX
abc4.com
Salt Lake City, Utah
Read This Story

Dedicated Memorial Parents Group:
SCAM ALERT !!!
Unitied Family Circulation
Unitied Family Circulation SCAM ALERT


Salisbury, Maryland
Theft Scheme
 April 24, 2009
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Release
SPYNEWS
sbynews.blogspot.com
Friday, April 24, 2009
Incident: Theft Scheme
Date of Incident: 29 March 2009 to present
Location: Wicomico County
Suspect:
1. Brittany Nicole Harden, 20, unknown address
2. James Bryan Burke, 23, Salisbury, MD

Narrative: On 29 March 2009, the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into a theft scheme involving the selling of bogus magazine subscriptions. Complaints began coming to the Sheriff’s Office claiming an individual was going door to door in various locations in Wicomico County claiming to be selling magazines while participating in a sales contest for college students. Investigation revealed that not only were the individuals not college students, but the sales they made were not legitimate.

The subjects were positively identified when they attempted to cash checks made out to them for the sales of the magazines. The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office currently holds arrest warrants for both of the subjects, Brittany Harden and James Burke, but their current whereabouts are unknown,

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Harden or Burke is asked to call the WCSO at 410-548-4890 or Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776. Also if you believe you may have been a victim of these alleged thieves you are asked to contact the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office.

Charges:
Theft
Theft Scheme
Conspiracy to Commit Theft

UPDATE: We have arrested the two individuals for the theft scheme Brittany Harden and James Burke – However – If you would like to still cover the case we would ask that any members of the public with info about the case or who may have been victims should contact the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office

Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office:
http://www.wicomicocounty.org/wcso/newwcso.htm

Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office Press Release: http://www.wicomicosheriff.com/PressReleases/04242009C%20Theft%20Scheme.pdf
SPYNEWS
sbynews.blogspot.com
Joe Albero
Contact me at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com
410-430-5349
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Stamford, Connecticut
Magazine Salesman Charged With:
Soliciting Without A Permit
First-Degree Criminal Trespass
Second-Degree Breach Of Peace
 April 23, 2009
Norwalk police blotter
The Advocate Staff
The Advocate
Posted: 04/23/2009 06:43:29 PM EDT
Soliciting charge. Police on Wednesday arrested a Florida man who was selling magazine subscriptions on Chatham Drive. Terrell Williams, 24, of 1009 Avenue A, Haines City, Fla., approached a house and told the homeowner he was from a poor neighborhood and working on his people skills. When the homeowner asked Williams to leave, he shouted at the woman and her husband, who came to the door. Police found Williams on Scribner Avenue, carrying folders with receipts from magazine sales. Police said he did not have a permit to make sales, and his only identification was a Florida license. Police later found that Williams was arrested Saturday in Greenwich on charges of soliciting. Williams was charged with soliciting without a permit, first-degree criminal trespass and second-degree breach of peace and held on $2,000 bond.
The Advocate Staff
The Advocate
stamfordadvocate.com
Stamford, Connecticut
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Bakersfield, California
Door-to-door salesman sexually assaults Rosedale woman in home
 April 23, 2009
Door-to-door salesman sexually assaults Rosedale woman in home
THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN | Thursday, Apr 23 2009 10:47 AM
Last Updated Thursday, Apr 23 2009 10:47 AM
A 25-year-old Naples, Florida man was arrested on sexual assault charges after he barged his way into a Bakersfield woman's home and lewdly touched her, police reported. The incident happened Wednesday at 2:18 p.m. in the 8700 block of Hoodsport Avenue just north of the Northwest Promenade shopping center. The suspect, Lee Collins, was selling magazines door to door and stopped at the victim's home. She said she wasn't interested, but then Collins asked for a glass of water. She left him with the front door open to go to the kitchen to get water. He came up behind her and put his hands inside her clothing, police said. She objected and told him to stop, which he did. He left. She called police who found Collins several blocks away and arrested him on charges of burglary, assault with intent to commit rape and sexual battery, police said.
THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN
bakersfieldnow.com
Bakersfield, California
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Bakersfield, California
Florida man arrested for sexual assault in Bakersfield
 April 23, 2009
Florida man arrested for sexual assault in Bakersfield
By BakersfieldNow.com Staff
Story Created: Apr 23, 2009 at 10:48 AM PDT
Story Updated: Apr 23, 2009 at 6:52 PM PDT
A Florida man was arrested Wednesday for allegedly sexually assaulting a Bakersfield woman in her home. The unidentified victim told police that the suspect came to her home on the 8700 block of Hoodsport Avenue trying to sell magazines, according to a police news release. The victim said she didn't want to buy magazines, and the suspect, 25-year-old Lee Collins, asked for a drink of water. The woman went to get some water, and Collins allegedly let himself into the house, pinned the woman against the kitchen counter and put his hands under her clothing. The victim voiced her objections and Collins left, police said. Police found Collins several blocks away and took him into custody without incident. He was booked into Kern County Jail on suspicion of burglary, assault with intent to commit rape and sexual battery.
By BakersfieldNow.com Staff
bakersfieldnow.com
Bakersfield, California
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Bakersfield, California
Police receive report of sexual assault
April 23, 2009
Police receive report of sexual assault
kget.com
Last Update: 4/23 12:06 am
A woman was sexually assaulted in her northwest Bakersfield home Wednesday and her family is sending out a warning. "They're taking advantage of common courtesy," said Ron, the victim's wife. "You should feel safe at your own house, for someone to ask for water and then take advantage and follow someone in their house, that's wrong." The victim reported that the suspect came to her residence trying to sell magazines. The victim declined and the suspect then asked her for a drink of water. The victim left the front door open and walked to the kitchen to get some water, and the suspect followed the victim into the kitchen where he used his body to pin her against the counter. He then put his hands inside her clothing, when the victim objected the suspect removed his hands, and the victim called police. Officers located the suspect several blocks away and he was taken into custody without incident. The suspect was identified as 25-year-old Lee Collins, of Naples, Florida. He was arrested for burglary, assault with intent to commit rape, and sexual battery. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call Bakersfield Police at 661-327-7111.
kget.com
Bakersfield, California
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Gloucester, Massachusetts
'Pushy' complaints leads to magazine seller's arrest
Magazine Sales crew:
Threedom Sales
Magazine Sales company: Entrepreneurs Across America
A.K.A.: Points Across America
A.K.A.: Thanks For The Points
A.K.A.: thanksforthepoints.com
 April 22, 2009
'Pushy' complaints leads to magazine seller's arrest
By Robert Cann
Staff Writer
Gloucester Daily Times
Published: April 22, 2009 05:48 am
MANCHESTER — A flurry of complaints about door-to-door magazine salesmen led to the arrest of a Texas man on a 2-year-old default warrant from Gloucester District Court. Police received four calls regarding door-to-door magazine salesmen between 7 and 8:15 p.m. Monday. One caller reported that the salesmen had been "too pushy." The 15 salesmen who police identified as working for the Houston-based Freedom Sales Inc., drew reports from residents on Blossom Lane, Boardman Avenue and Beach Street. While checking the identification of salesmen on Beach Street at 8:15 p.m., police identified 29-year-old Michael Bailey, of 9731 West Shore Drive in Willis, Texas, and arrested him on a default warrant out of Gloucester District Court for failure to pay fines. Bailey had plead guilty to two charges of unlicensed driving, one charge of soliciting and one charge of disturbing the peace in May 2007. He had been fined $100 and was ordered to pay $50 in court fees. On the request of the Gloucester District Court, Bailey was not given bail; instead he was held overnight in Manchester before his arraignment yesterday in Gloucester District Court. Bailey plead guilty to the May 2007 charges again yesterday.
Robert Cann can be reached gt_reporter@gloucestertimes.com.
By Robert Cann
Staff Writer
Gloucester Daily Times
gloucestertimes.com
Gloucester, Massachusetts
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Des Moines, Iowa
Door-To-Door Magazine Sales Scam Alert !!!
 April 22, 2009
Johnston police alert public about possible door-to-door scam
desmoinesregister.com
April 22, 2009
The Johnston Police Department has received information that there is currently a group of individuals going door-to-door in Johnston and surrounding communities soliciting money for magazine subscriptions. Similar organizations that we have dealt with in the past have purposefully been deceptive to the residents they have called upon and have used questionable and dishonest tactics in their attempts to complete a sale. Recently, the Clive Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office took reports of magazine solicitors going door-to-door in their jurisdictions giving residents unconfirmed information that they were soliciting on behalf of either a children’s hospital, the troops in Iraq, a local organization and/or another random charitable association. The Johnston Police Department has recently confronted several individuals conducting magazine solicitations within our community without having obtained the required city-issued permit. The Police Department can not confirm the validity or legitimacy of this organization or the persons soliciting on their behalf. As a result, we encourage residents to use discretion when dealing with any solicitor and make sure that you are confident in an organization before deciding to make a donation or purchase from someone you are not directly familiar with. The police department also recommends residents follow these simple guidelines when dealing with a solicitor at your home:
• Ask the solicitor to produce their Johnston city-issued solicitors permit.
The permit will display an expiration date along with a current photo of the solicitor. All for-profit solicitors are required to carry a city-issued permit and provide it upon request. • Avoid allowing solicitors into your home. Have them remain outside during their visit.
• Avoid being duped. Non-reputable solicitors may tell fictitious stories in an attempt to make a sale or secure a donation.
• If you are unfamiliar or uncomfortable with a solicitor, contact the Johnston Police Department at 278-2345 and an officer will research the validity of the organization they are representing before you make a purchase or donation.
desmoinesregister.com
Des Moines, Iowa
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Mannatech SCAM !!!
Direct Selling Trade Group:
Direct Selling Association
DSA Web site:
http://www.dsa.org
 April 21, 2009
MLM Scheme, Mannatech, Pays Millions to Victims for Making
False Claims of Cures and Health Benefits
By Tracy Coenen
Pyramid Schemes & MLM
sequence-inc.com
Tue 21 Apr 2009
Mannatech, a long time MLM company, member of the Direct Selling Association and publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange, has agreed to pay millions of dollars to consumers who were deceived by its false health claims about its products. The state of Texas, where the scheme is based, charged that Mannatech falsely claimed that its food supplements cured Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, cancer and other serious diseases. The unholy combination of a snake-oil product with a pyramid income scheme is a defining characteristic of multi-level marketing. The schemes often claim “patented” products made from “secret formulas” that work at the “cellular level” and always, “not a available in stores.” These claims are made for vitamins, herbs, and minerals. In virtually all cases the products are essentially same as products readily available in health food stores or even grocery stores for a fraction of the price. In some cases, the products are lethal, as when MLMs were the largest promoters of weight loss herbs containing ephedrine, now banned by the FDA for causing strokes. The latest craze of miracle health claims is fruit juice, selling for $40 a bottle! The organizer of the largest scheme of that type, Monavie, had previously been stopped by the FDA for making the very same types of lies that Mannatech was fined for. That scheme, like Mannatech’s, is based on endless chain recruiting, and causes massive consumer losses. Consumers are frequently lured into MLM not just by the amazing health claims but by the promises that the products can produce extraordinary income. This income potential often gives the products nearly magical powers, at least for awhile. Many consumers will swear the products produced cures, better energy, greater intelligence and focus or improved sex, as long as they belive they will soon make a lot of money. Predictably, as the income promises prove unrewarding, the curative health benefits tend to wane. Soon, most consumers quit the scheme and stop buying the products forever. Beyond illustrating, yet again, that many MLMs are in the snake-oil business, there is one more aspect to the Mannatech case that applies to the larger MLM industry. The Attorney General of Texas charged this company only with making false product claims, but it did not prosecute it for operating a pyramid scheme. Manatech is a classic endless chain recruitment scheme. It has minimal retail sales, and only pays a 9% commission for retailing while paying 45% out in recruitment-based commission, with most of that money going only to the those at the very top of the recruitment pyramid. So, why was Mannatech not prosecuted for pyramid fraud? One probable reason is that under Texas law, an MLM can legally operate an endless chain pay scheme, with virtually no retail customers, a classic “closed” market in which product depends entirely on endless chain recruiting. How could this be? The lobby group for he MLM industry, the Direct Selling Association (DSA), wrote the “anti-pyramid” law in Texas. As in several other states, the DSA has pushed though bills that revise anti-fraud law so as to make “product-based” pyramids legal. The trick in the wording is to exempt schemes in which pyramid payments are based on “product purchases.” With that wording change, pyramid rewards can be paid on the purchase derived solely from those within the pyramid and in which endless chain recruiting is the only way to make a profit. Even though such a plan is closed, non-competitive and dooms 90-99% to losses, (since they will be in bottom ranks), the law makes it legal for promoters to claim they are a legitimate “income opportunity” for all. Some pyramids have tried to disguise the money transfer as “gifts.” MLM’s favored disguise is “product purchases.” Most MLM products are absurdly overpriced and 40-50% of the exorbitant price is transferred to the pyramid recruiters as “commissions.” In this way, the pyramid money is laundered through “products.” The Texas law, written by the DSA, exempts schemes, such as Mannatech, that do this. This same “wolf in sheep’s clothing” law that pretends to be “anti-pyramid” while in fact protecting the scams, was also introduced as a proposed federal law. Pyramid Scheme Alert opposed the bill and alterted Congressional representatives of its devious and harmful intent. It never got out of committee in Congress, but it did gain some Congressional supporters, many of whom were strongly supported by the Amway corporation, such as Congresswoman Sue Myrick of North Carolina. The sponsor of this pro-pyramid bill in Congress was Joe Barton of Texas.
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ShopToEarn: Don’t talk about actual money!
YTB called “gigantic pyramid scheme” by California Attorney General (and sued, too)
By Tracy Coenen
Pyramid Schemes & MLM
sequence-inc.com
Read This Story


April 18, 2009
'Amway's' Totalitarian Model of Reality
by QCI contributor David Brear:
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Quixtar Cult Intervention
http://quixtarisacultintervention.blogspot.com
Read This Story


Olathe, Kansas
2 Charged in Prairie Village Robbery
 April 16, 2009
2 Charged in Prairie Village Robbery
Posted by: Steve Kaut
Email: kaut@nbcactionnews.com
KSHB-TV
Last Update: 4/16 10:31 pm
OLATHE, Kan. - A man selling jewelry out of his car trunk was robbed Wednesday by a magazine subscription salesman. The 42-year-old New Jersey man was charged today in Johnson County District Court with aggravated robbery. The robbery happened in a grocery store parking lot near West 76th Street and State Line Road in Prairie Village. Police said the jewelry salesman spotted the suspect and another man in the parking lot and asked if they wanted to buy jewelry. The suspect allegedly walked to a car, grabbed what turned out to be a BB pistol and told the jewelry salesman to give him the goods, police said. He took three bracelets and cash. The jewelry salesman drove off in his car and called for help. Davis and a 22-year-old St. Louis man drove off in their car. Police caught up with the pair and arrested them. The second man in the car is charged with aiding a person committing a felony, according to court records. He's accused of throwing the gun into a storm drain in Kansas City.
Posted by: Steve Kaut
Email: kaut@nbcactionnews.com
KSHB-TV
nbcactionnews.com
Kansas City, Missouri
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Florida woman charged in Rock Hill magazine sales scam
Magazine Sales Company:
Millennium Sales
 April 16, 2009
Florida woman charged in Rock Hill magazine sales scam
By Rebekah Lewis
The Herald | heraldonline.com
Published 04/16/09 - 12:00 AM
Rock Hill police have arrested a woman accused of scamming customers with magazine sales. Bonisha Kinloch, 20, of Kissimmee, Fla., was charged with obtaining money under false pretense and public disorderly conduct after police said she scammed customers with magazine sales, according to a police report. The report states that authorities were contacted when a woman who had not bought magazines from Kinloch “looked up the company … (Kinloch) said she worked for (and) discovered that the company was a scam.” Police found Kinloch near the driveway to the Constitution Park town home complex where she was selling magazines. According to the report, Kinloch shouted obscenities, despite warnings from the officers to stop. She continued yelling and told police “it was her mouth and that she could say whatever she wanted.” Although Millennium Sales, based in Mount Laurel, N.J., lists the Better Business Bureau as an affiliate on its Web site, the BBB's Web site said Millennium Sales is not a BBB-accredited business. It is unclear what type of magazines Kinloch was reportedly selling. The BBB gave the company an “F” rating based on the number of customer complaints about Millennium Sales and a lack of general information about the company, according to the bureau's Web site. The 12 complaints ranged from sales representatives pressuring potential customers to billing issues. Delivery problems, including not receiving merchandise, made up half the complaints. Police located two Rock Hill women who bought magazines from Kinloch. Kinloch obtained $57 from one woman, including $12 in cash, but when booked, she only had $6, according to the report.
Rebekah Lewis 803-329-4067
By Rebekah Lewis
803-329-4067
The Herald | heraldonline.com
Rock Hill, South Carolina
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New Wisconsin Statute Protects Members
of "Traveling Sales Crews"
 April 15, 2009
New Wisconsin Statute Protects Members of "Traveling Sales Crews"
Littler Mendelson, P.C.
Posted April 15, 2009:
E L infonet.com
Employment Law Information Network
Littler Mendelson Web Site
Employment Law Information Network
In April 1999, seven young people were killed in a car accident near Janesville, Wisconsin. The people killed, along with five others who were injured, were members of traveling sales crew that had been hired to do door-to-door sales. Ten years later, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle signed into law the strictest requirements in the nation for traveling sales crews. The law, which goes into effect on April 1, 2010, imposes a range of rules on companies that hire salespeople to travel in groups of two or more to sell consumer goods or services. Because of the strict requirements imposed by the new law, some companies may reevaluate their use of traveling sales crews in Wisconsin. Forcing traveling sales crews out of the Wisconsin market is the avowed goal of some of the proponents of the bill, who are also pushing for national legislation. Although similar statutes has been proposed in the United States Congress in the past, there does not appear to be any new legislation on the horizon. It remains to be seen if other states will follow suit.
E L infonet.com
Employment Law Information Network
elinfonet.com
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Salina, Kansas
Door-To-Door Magazine Sales Scam Alert !!!
 April 14, 2009
K-State Salina: Magazine sales a scam
Salina Journal
salina.com
4/14/2009
Reports of a person going door-to-door in Salina selling magazine subscriptions and saying they benefit Kansas State University at Salina have prompted the university to announce they are not connected with any such magazine sales. “He is saying he is affiliated with K-State Salina, and he is not,” said Natalie Blair, the coordinator of public and alumni relations on the Salina campus. “We don’t sell subscriptions at all — it is a scam.”
salina.com
Salina, Kansas
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Nipomo, California
Man sentenced for attempting to rape Nipomo woman
while selling magazine subscriptions last year
Magazine Sales Company:
Urban Nation Enterprises
 April 13, 2009
Man sentenced for attempting to rape Nipomo woman
while selling magazine subscriptions last year
Leslie Parrilla
The Tribune
SanLuisObispo.com
Monday, Apr. 13, 2009
A door-to-door magazine subscription solicitor in Nipomo was sentenced to prison Monday for attempting to rape a woman while using a replica handgun. Rafael Deshawn Joseph, 23, was ordered to serve 12 years in prison and register as a sex offender, said an official from the District Attorney’s Office. He was convicted March 6 of felony assault with intent to rape and felony burglary after pleading no contest, which is similar to a guilty plea. Prosecutors dropped a false imprisonment with force charge and an attempted rape charge, along with several enhancements, according to court records. Joseph was arrested June 4, 2008 after he entered a woman's house and demanded sex. The woman was home with her children on Spruce Lane around 1 p. m. when Joseph came to her door selling magazines, according to the Sheriff's Department. He reportedly asked if he could use the restroom and was allowed into the house. He then produced what appeared to be a real gun. The two struggled and Joseph lost control of the replica handgun and left. Joseph worked for Urban Nation Enterprises, according to the Sheriff's Department.
-- Leslie Parrilla
Leslie Parrilla
The Tribune
SanLuisObispo.com
San Luis Obispo, California
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Norfolk, Virginia
Magazine peddler accused of scam in Suffolk
 April 11, 2009
Magazine peddler accused of scam in Suffolk
By Dave Forster
The Virginian-Pilot
© April 11, 2009
SUFFOLK
A magazine salesman who has plied his trade around the country is now accused of running a scam in Suffolk. This time, police said, he even promised brownies. Michael Moorefield II, 26, was arrested Thursday and charged with six counts of obtaining money by false pretense, a misdemeanor, said Debbie George, a Suffolk police spokeswoman. His pitch included pleas to "support troops in Iraq, send his baseball team to Tokyo and assist sending him to the Naval Academy," George said. To sweeten the deal, Moorefield said his grandmother would bake brownies for people who ordered a lot of magazines, George said. Moorefield had eight checks, all for $48, when a police officer arrested him, George said. Several of the complaints came from residents around the Driver area. Moorefield gave an address from the 1500 block of Crossways Blvd. in Chesapeake. That is also the address of a hotel. In September, his name surfaced in a news report in New Hampshire that involved similar accusations. The Bedford Bulletin reported accounts from residents who said he was soliciting donations for children's hospital books and to send an AAU baseball team to Hawaii. He also was arrested in Rye, N.H., on a charge of soliciting without a permit, the article said.
Dave Forster, (757) 222-5563, dave.forster@pilotonline.com
By Dave Forster
The Virginian-Pilot
hamptonroads.com
Norfolk, Virginia
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Fort Collins, Colorado
Spring scams require vigilance from consumers
 April 11, 2009
Spring scams require vigilance from consumers
coloradoan.com
Luanne Kadlub is a media specialist with the Better Business Bureau.
Reach her at www.wynco.bbb.org.
April 11, 2009
Spring is synonymous with all things fresh and new. Maybe you're knee-deep in spring cleaning (have fun with that!) or inventorying fix-up projects that need doing. Time for a paint job? Check. Hmm, need new rain gutters? Probably so. Add on an extra room? This could be the year. And just when you're ready to tackle home projects, here comes some guy in a pickup offering to do it for you. What great timing, right? And what a great estimate! In fact, your doorbell probably gets a workout in warm-weather months from all types of people offering you all kinds of goods and services. Many of them are out-and-out scams. Your BBB recommends watching out for these three: Spring Scam No. 1: A slew of "contractors" come knocking on your door offering to fix your roof, paint your house, build that spare room or even pave your driveway. They offer to do the job at a remarkably low cost, or maybe they tell you they have supplies "leftover" from a job down the street that will lower the estimate even more. The hitch is, you have to decide on the spot. And then you have to pay upfront. What's wrong with that? Chances are you'll never see the contractor, or your money, again. If they do return, they do the job with inferior supplies and poor workmanship. BBB Advice: Reputable contractors don't go door-to-door soliciting business, and they certainly don't make customers decide on the spot to accept the bid. Ask friends, family and colleagues for names of reliable contractors and get bids from at least three. Call references and see finished projects, if possible. Request a business reliability report at www.wynco.bbb.org. Spring Scam No. 2: Smiling kids selling magazines or candy constantly come knocking. Thing is, you've never seen these kids before. Hmmm. BBB Advice: Scam artists hire youths to sell magazines and candy because it's hard to say no to them. So how do you tell a legitimate fundraiser from a scam? Ask who the young salesperson represents. Ask about the nonprofit and request a name, address and phone number. If the information can't be provided, consider that a red flag. Ask where and how the money will be used. Postpone a purchase until you can research the offer. Don't let the salesperson inside your home - ever. > Spring Scam No. 3: You want to get away from it all and you've heard deals abound for a dream vacation. BBB Advice: Vacation scams cost consumers more than $10 billion annually. Of the almost 4,000 industries the BBB monitors, the travel industry consistently ranks near or in the top 25 for number of complaints. What to do? Gather information, ask detailed questions and request a BBB reliability report for any travel company you plan to work with. Also, pay with a credit card and stay away from deals that require booking 60 days in advance because disputing a charge after that time is difficult - and scam artists know that. Start With Trust. Check out the BBB blog and find consumer information and alerts at www.wynco.bbb.org or call 484-1348 or (800) 564-0371.
Luanne Kadlub is a media specialist with the Better Business Bureau. Reach her at www.wynco.bbb.org.

Luanne Kadlub is a media specialist with the Better Business Bureau.
Reach her at www.wynco.bbb.org.
coloradoan.com
Fort Collins, Colorado
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Austin, Texas
Magazine Salesman Steven Talley Murder Case Solved
 April 10, 2009
Texas may request DNA samples from more criminals
Avi Selk
Daily Texan Staff
The Daily Texan
Published: Friday, April 10, 2009
Updated: Friday, April 10, 2009
As police praise a national DNA database for helping solve local crimes, lawmakers are proposing legislation that could more than double the number of Texas offenders whose genetic codes are cataloged.

The Combined DNA Index System — a FBI database of DNA profiles from convicted offenders and unsolved crimes from across the country — has extended the reach of local police agencies far beyond what was possible a decade ago.

Several bills are under consideration in the Texas Legislature this year that would significantly broaden the state’s role in the program.

The Texas Department of Public Safety submits DNA from about 70,000 convicted felons to the database each year, said Gary Molina, the database’s program manager at the department.

Texas has submitted DNA for more than 416,000 offenders to the system, which includes DNA profiles from nearly 7 million convicts nationwide.

For more than a decade, Texas lawmakers have regularly expanded the list of offenses for which convicts must submit their DNA. When the state began contributing to the database in 1997, police only collected samples from sex offenders, but subsequent laws soon extended the collection to nearly all imprisoned felons.

Two identical bills in the Texas House of Representatives would require DNA collection from anyone convicted of a serious misdemeanor, from marijuana possession to bicycle thefts. The legislation would add more than 260,000 Texas offenders to the FBI database within five years, according to a Legislative Budget Board estimate.

Another bill, which the state Senate could vote on as early as next week, would allow the state to collect DNA from those sentenced to probation or deferred adjudication, adding an estimated 60,000 Texans a year to the database and almost doubling the state’s current rate of DNA submissions.

But as Texas and other states submit DNA from more and more of their prisoners to the database, civil rights groups are growing increasingly concerned.

“I think that goes too far,” said Jim Harrington, director of the Texas Civil Rights Project, of the proposed expansions.

Harrington said DNA collection from violent criminals is justified but that expansions could create a “grave potential for abuse.”

“By the time you get to a misdemeanor, a minor offense, it’s lost its legitimacy,” he said of the database.

Police disagree, pointing to hundreds of cases in which the DNA database has cracked a case. Last week, the database led police to their first arrest in a North Austin murder that had stumped investigators for more than two years.

When Steven Talley was found stabbed to death on Blessing Avenue in February 2007, police had few leads. One of their only clues was a DNA sample recovered from the crime scene that police submitted to the database to check for a match among the millions genetic profiles.

The search returned no matches that year, or the next. But at some point after the murder, DNA was collected from a man named Joseph Lee after he was convicted of an unrelated crime in another jurisdiction. Police could not say by press time exactly when or where he was convicted.

In February, the search turned up a match between Lee’s DNA and the sample from the murder scene. Days later, Lee confessed during questioning to stabbing Talley, police announced last week.

Nationwide DNA searches have helped police solve more than 3,000 crimes in Texas since 1996, Molina said. In December, police used DNA recovered from a disguise worn during an Austin bank robbery to pinpoint a suspect in California.

Inside Austin’s DNA lab

Cassie Carradine, who runs the Austin Police Department’s DNA lab, said DNA is not a replacement for fingerprint analysis or any other investigative method, but that the federal database has helped the department solve dozens of crimes.

Between 30 and 40 times a month, Carradine’s lab uses robots to isolate DNA from blood, semen, saliva or other biological samples recovered from crime scenes. A $90,000 computer then converts each sample to an electronic profile of 13 genetic markers.

The electronic profiles contain only a minute fraction of the genetic information in each strand of DNA — what Carradine called “junk regions” — but are nevertheless unique to every human being.

The APD lab then sends crime-scene DNA to be checked at the Texas Department of Public Safety, whose personnel have access to FBI software that can search the database. So far, the lab has sent 477 samples to be searched — mostly for property crimes and sexual assaults — and has received matches on 83. Carradine called it a “pretty good” success rate.

She noted that police could only use the database to check DNA that was directly linked to an open case. For example, they could not simply scoop up all the cigarette butts found near a crime scene and check them for matches.

“[Theindexsystem] is kind of like the icing on the cake for us,” she said. “The cake is the majority of what we do day in and day out.”
Avi Selk
Daily Texan Staff
The Daily Texan
dailytexanonline.com
Austin, Texas
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Maumelle, Arkansas
Buttoning up for safety’s sake
 April 9, 2009
Buttoning up for safety’s sake
By Monitor Staff
The Maumelle Monitor
Thursday, April 9, 2009 1:41 PM CDT
Last week’s arrest in Maumelle of seven young people from out of state for door-to-door solicitation caught police Chief Sam Williams’ eye. While a young person selling magazines or someone offering to repair your roof might seem harmless, Williams has seen the other side of the issue.

He said too often it’s a scam of one sort or another and that’s why Maumelle has strict laws to prohibit solicitation without a permit.

Getting a permit gives the city a chance to check out the viability of the organization doing the solicitation and the person involved.

City Clerk Joshua Clausen, who issues the permits, said few have been issued in Maumelle.

Williams said the solicitors often can have nefarious intentions. It’s a perfect way for someone to check and see who is home and who isn’t, Williams said. Such a person could be looking for homes to burglarize or they could be scouting for someone else.

Last week, Williams said he was alarmed that the solicitors made their way all over town before anyone called the police. Calling the police is the first thing you should do, both Williams and Clausen said. If someone has a permit, they won’t mind someone checking on their permit. If they don’t know about the permit requirement — they won’t mind being informed.

Maumelle folks are just too nice and trusting.

That may be why Maumelle has the number of burglaries it does. Burglars first come to where the money and possessions are.

But they also come to a place where they believe they can operate without being caught. A trusting neighbor is just what they look for.

What you need is a neighbor who calls the police first, long before they tell anyone else about who’s moved out and what’s going on.

Maumelle has limited police officers to cover a growing number of residents and lots of activity. They need your help to keep you and your neighbors safe. Calling to have Maumelle’s finest check strange people and strange events should be the first call made.

Legitimate business people won’t mind visiting with a police officer.

Too many automobiles have become the target for Maumelle thieves who steal their contents at night. But Williams said almost every vehicle that had something stolen was left unlocked.

Williams said when he worked in Little Rock, officers had a name for unlocked cars: “free cars.”

If you want to protect what you have — button it down. Lock it up.

That goes for cars, trucks, vans, garages, homes and businesses.

Oh, one more point about Maumelle’s friendly residents who opened their doors to the young solicitors last week: Many of the solicitors had a criminal history of burglarizing homes.

That’s why you need to call.
By Monitor Staff
The Maumelle Monitor
pulaskinews.net
Maumelle, Arkansas
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Knoxville, Tennessee
Police investigate bizarre door to door salesmen case
 April 8, 2009
Police investigate bizarre door to door salesmen case
8 CBS VolunteerTV.com
WVLT VOLUNTEER TV
Posted: 2:40 AM Apr 8, 2009
Last Updated: 2:40 AM Apr 8, 2009
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Investigators are still sorting out a bizarre case in West Knoxville involving door to door salesmen, buses and several hundred dollars worth of marijuana. Police said they originally got involved on Monday around 1:30 PM after receiving several complaints of people selling magazines door to door in the West Hills and Sutherland Avenue communities. Officers stopped Brittany Russell, 21 of Del Reno, Oklahoma and she told them she working for Independence Media, a New York-based company that had bused in 21 people on Sunday to sell magazines door to door. Investigators went back to a West Knoxville motel where the group was staying to verify Russell’s story when they were confronted by Fredrick Berry, 34 of McKinney, Texas who claimed to own and run the company. Officers said he smelled of marijuana and became disorderly while they were questioning him. He was placed into custody and officers secured a search warrant to enter his room. While searching Berry’s room they discovered drug paraphernalia and more than 50 grams of marijuana. Berry has since been charged with disorderly conduct and possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a scheduled III narcotic with the intent to sell. Russell was also arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and solicitation without a permit.
8 CBS VolunteerTV.com
WVLT VOLUNTEER TV
volunteertv.com
Knoxville, Tennessee
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University of Maryland
Southwestern Co. banned from recruiting on campus
 April 7, 2009
Southwestern Co. banned from recruiting on campus
Jeff Nash
The Diamondback Newsroom
Issue date: 4/7/09 Section: News
Warren Kelley, the interim director of the University Career Center, said Southwestern Company can no longer recruit on the campus after two students complained it misrepresented the nature of its internships as business positions instead of a sales jobs. The company said its internships give students both valuable skills and an opportunity to earn thousands of dollars in a single summer. Southwestern hasn't been allowed to recruit on the campus since 2005 but the university has continued to receive complaints against the company. It still recruits university students in other ways and uses facilities at nearby University of Maryland University College. Last year, according to the company, 30 university students made more than $300,000 selling company products. But two students who complained said the way in which they were recruited was misleading. "The whole process was a manipulation," sophomore kinesiology major Alana Isaacson said. "I was deceived into coming by a vague and misleading phone call, and once I got there they even said that this was an information session to be considered for an interview, after calling the meeting an interview over the phone." Stories like Isaacson's abound on Southwesterncompanytruth.com, which portrays the company's summer program as an emotionally damaging, though potentially high-paying, experience. Some of the website's claims include that students are "brainwashed" and forced to put their physical and emotional health at risk. After reading the site, Isaacson complained to the Career Center because she believed the job sounded unsafe for students. However, Southwestern is taking legal action against the site because it claims many of the "truths" stated on the site are false. According to Southwestern, first-year sellers make an average of about $8,000 in a summer, which is usually 13 weeks long. Regional Sales Manager Lester Crafton said the university's unwillingness to communicate with Southwestern stems from a negative bias toward the company. Past incidents include Southwestern's tendency to over-recruit in the 1970s, a university employee's outrage when a former Southwestern employee hugged her following a meeting and the 2005 student complaint. Crafton said this was due to a miscommunication about the informational session. "I think the Career Center's intent is legitimate," Crafton said. "But they are trying to protect all students from a job that's not right for some students." When students are selected for the Southwestern internship, they start their summer by going to "sales school" for 5 days in Nashville, Tenn., where they are taught product knowledge, ethics, self-presentation, safety and business management. They are then sent to a distant location where they live with host families and work long hours selling educational books and CDs to families. The students, who are not directly company employees but rather independent contractors, keep 40 percent of each sale. One of those students, senior-to-be psychology major Kaela Kreysa, said she made nearly $40,000 last summer, enough money to allow her to take the school year off and spend the time vacationing in Hawaii. "It feels incredible to be financially independent and able to do anything that I want," Kreysa wrote in an e-mail. "I wanted a change of pace. Thankfully my success with Southwestern has given me a lot of money and I wanted to use part of it in a way that would help me to learn more while being present and enjoying." Kreysa said Southwestern isn't for everyone, but for those who enjoy a challenge, Southwestern's program offers an unmatched combination of learning, sales experience and life lessons. "I am a psychology major and I cannot think of a better way to learn more about people than to talk to thousands of them in their homes during a summer," Kreysa wrote. "Eventually in my life I would have hoped to gain all the skills I have from Southwestern, but I can't imagine a better way to gain them all so quickly." Besides Isaacson, the other student who complained about the company's recruiting, freshman animal science major Sarah Margerison, said it misrepresented itself as a legitimate internship when it was actually a sales job. "This was supposed to be a business internship, where you sold a product," Margerison said. "It sounded a lot like the door-to-door fundraisers you do for your soccer team or something when you're little." Crafton, a University of North Carolina '99 alumnus who made more than $30,000 selling products for Southwestern during in his final summer in college, said while Southwestern has become more selective over the years to hire only qualified students for the job, three in 10 first-year student sellers drop out of the program. "Do some people fail? Yes. What's the proof? Southwesterncompanytruth.com exists. Do some people succeed? Yes. What's the proof? I exist," Crafton said. Kreysa, one of those success stories, thinks it's ridiculous that the Career Center doesn't encourage students to check out the Southwestern summer program. "If a counselor truly understood what a student could gain from the Southwestern experience, she would recommend it all the time," Kreysa wrote.
jnashdbk@gmail.com
Jeff Nash
jnashdbk@gmail.com
The Diamondback Newsroom
media.www.diamondbackonline.com
University of Maryland
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Knoxville, Tennessee
Probe of West Knoxville magazine sales leads to marijuana arrest
 April 7, 2009
Probe of West Knoxville magazine sales leads to marijuana arrest
By Don Jacobs (Contact)
knoxnews.com
The News Sentinel
Originally published 11:36 a.m., April 7, 2009
Updated 11:36 a.m., April 7, 2009
KNOXVILLE - Police investigating complaints of door-to-door magazine sales followed clues to a motel room where they encountered the "overwhelming odor of marijuana coming from the room." Police began receiving complaints about 1:30 p.m. Monday from residents in the Sutherland Avenue and West Hills areas about magazine sales efforts, according to Knoxville Police Department spokesman Darrell DeBusk. Officers met one woman engaged in the selling effort and took her to a West Knoxville motel where they met Fredrick Berry, the owner and manager of Independence Media based in New York City, DeBusk said. Police learned a sales staff of 21 people had arrived Sunday in Knoxville. While investigating the group, DeBusk said Berry became disorderly and was arrested. Officers detected the odor of marijuana on Berry and went to his room, where they were met with the "overwhelming odor of marijuana coming from the room," DeBusk said. With the aid of officers from the KPD Repeat Offenders Unit, police discovered in the room about 50 grams of pot already packaged for sale, DeBusk said. Berry, 34, of Medina, Texas, was charged with disorderly conduct, possession of marijuana for resale and possession of drug paraphernalia, DeBusk said. Police also charged Brittany Russell, 21, of Oklahoma, with disorderly conduct and cited her on a charge of soliciting without a permit, DeBusk said. More details as they develop online and in Wednesday's News Sentinel.
By Don Jacobs (Contact)
knoxnews.com
The News Sentinel
Knoxville, Tennessee
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Michigan City, Indiana
Don't get scammed!
 April 7, 2009
Don't get scammed!
Joseph Malan
The News-Dispatch
4/7/2009 11:00:00 AM
MICHIGAN CITY - It seems that not even the mother of a bank CEO is immune to the threat of identity theft. Wilma Dwight, 80, mother of Horizon Bank CEO Craig Dwight, had a scam scare last week when a supposed magazine seller called her on the phone. "He said he had a good deal on magazines," Wilma said, "and he said, 'I can get them for you at a real good discount.'" The only condition - Wilma had to give the unknown man her credit card number. Still doubtful, Wilma asked the man if she could speak to his manager. The man obliged and a "manager" took over and explained what the first had already told her. At that point, Wilma hung up. But the supposed magazine salesmen weren't done. They called her again. "He told me he still had a good deal on magazines, but I couldn't (buy) unless I gave him my credit card number," the Michigan City woman continued. She hung up once more, and the men haven't called back since. "It didn't really scare me," she remembered. "I just knew he wasn't going to get the card number." Situations such as what happened with his mother can lead to bank fraud or even large-scale identity theft, Craig Dwight said. "She did the right thing by hanging up," Dwight said. "Don't let people bully you into giving your information out. You've got to hold firm." Dwight continued that it's the responsibility of the individual to keep track of your bank accounts and statements as much as possible. "You have 30 days to look at (your statements)," Dwight said. "If you see something's not right and you don't report it within 30 days, then you're out of money." Chandra Ostrander, assistant vice president of compliance and security at Horizon Bank, added residents should keep a close eye out for any online scams, and if you're buying from an online source, make sure you know where your information is going. "In some cases customers don't realize everything they're signing up for," Ostrander explained. "Make sure you read what's going on." A new kind of fraud appearing these days, Ostrander said, is supposed mortgage companies offering residents great deals on a new home. Michigan City Police Chief Ben Neitzel said the department has to deal with bank fraud and identity theft on a regular basis - more than they used to. "It's probably the fastest-growing criminal activity across the country," he said. Neitzel advised residents to not give out their personal information on the phone or Internet or click on any e-mails where the source is unknown. "It's just a never-ending game," Neitzel said of the situation. "It's been that way since man walked the earth and it'll probably continue to be that way until we're no longer here."
Joseph Malan
The News-Dispatch
thenewsdispatch.com
Michigan City, Indiana
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Houston, Texas
The Sleaziness Of The Door-To-Door
Magazine-Subscriptions Industry Continues
 April 6, 2009
The Sleaziness Of The Door-To-Door
Magazine-Subscriptions Industry Continues
By Craig Malisow in Cover Story, Crime
Houston Press
Monday, Apr. 6 2009 @ 6:59AM
On March 30, Grand Prairie police say, a magazine subscription salesman knocked on the door of a 78-year-old woman, raped her, poured rubbing alcohol on her chest, and set her on fire. The question right now is not "How did this happen?" but "When and where will it happen again?"

Police quickly arrested Daniel Deshawn Neal, 23, who was awaiting trial on trespassing and burglary charges in Maryland. When Neal was arrested, he told Grand Prairie police he worked for a Washington, D.C.-based company called U.D. Management - a so-called processing center for magazine subscriptions sold door-to-door by the following affiliates: Go Doers, Unified Doers, and Unified Stars.

U.D. Management President Darrick Stancil tells us that his company has no business interests in those companies beyond processing their orders and running criminal background checks on the sales agents. After first agreeing to provide us with hire dates for former agents we'd already ran background checks on, Stancil said his "legal counsel" had advised him against it.

After all, U.D. Management has a history of processing orders submitted by agents with extensive criminal histories. In May 2008, Unified Doers salesman Jerwayne Hunter grabbed a 13-year-old girl off her bike near Boston. The 25-year-old Hunter, who in 2005 had pleaded guilty to drug and theft charges in Philadelphia, was subsequently charged with assault and battery, accosting, child enticement, and peddling without a license.

Meanwhile, our background checks have turned up agents with records of assault, larceny, and drug possession - and that's just for starters.

Although Darrick Stancil is listed as the president, U.D. Management is incorporated in Maryland under the name Levonia Stancil. Tax records also show that Levonia also owns several rental homes in North Carolina, which, based on online testimonials of current and former agents, appears to be a state where the companies affiliated with U.D. Management do some heavy recruiting. (In 2004, Stancil settled a $3,600 civil fine with the Maryland State's Attorney's office, for failure to insure the vans that shuttled folks like Daniel Deshawn Neal around the country).

But between 2001-2008, it appears that Unified Stars, headed by Eugene and Marni Weldon, operated out of Michigan City, Indiana. (That city was also home to one of the most notorious subscription processing companies, American Community Services, which processed orders for 18-year-old Azriel Bridge when, in 2004, he beat a 77-year-old woman with a fireplace bellows and then slit her throat with her own kitchen knife. After Bridge did the deed, he wiped the blade clean and placed it back in the woman's butcher block.)

U.D. Management's crews do a lot of work in Texas. In February 2008, Flower Mound police arrested several sales agents for peddling without a license. The company also appears to have a Houston-based recruiter, who calls herself "Dblock" on MySpace. (Her mood is listed as "horny"). Last week, Wisconsin became the first state to pass a law imposing stiff regulations on door-to-door solicitors. The measure, which was meant to safeguard the health of the sales agents as well as homeowners, had been lobbied against by the industry's trade group, the National Field Selling Association. And last year, the City of Albuquerque was on the path to becoming the first city to sue the owner of a subscription company for negligence, in the hiring of two men who beat an elderly couple to death in December 2007. That litigation was aborted when the owner, Robert Spruiell, was stabbed to death in a Miami hotel room in May 2008.

We will continue to run background checks on agents who knock on doors for U.D. Management. And law enforcement will continue to treat each case of murder, rape, and assault as isolated incidents, without tracing them back to where the subscription orders are processed - and the mainstream publishers that continue to make the door-to-door subscription industry extremely lucrative.
By Craig Malisow in Cover Story, Crime
Houston Press
blogs.houstonpress.com
Houston, Texas
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April 5, 2009
Just How Absurd and Dangerous is 'Amway'?
by QCI contributing author, David Brear
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Quixtar Cult Intervention
http://quixtarisacultintervention.blogspot.com
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Columbus, Ohio
Mother, Son Tied Up By Thieves Impersonating Officers
 April 4, 2009
Mother, Son Tied Up By Thieves Impersonating Officers
10TV News
10TV.com
Saturday, April 4, 2009 7:59 AM
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A mother and son were tied up and robbed by three people claiming to be police officers on Friday. The suspects knocked on the door of the home on Grimm Drive, located south of Interstate 270 on the city's south side, at about 3:30 p.m., 10TV's Lindsey Seavert reported. They claimed to be Columbus police undercover narcotics officers. The robbers did not have badges, but had a gun and forced their way inside, Seavert reported. Once inside, the woman and her adult son were forced to the ground and tied up. The trio ransacked the home and repeatedly told the victims they needed drugs, guns and money. They left with money, jewelry and electronics. Police were searching for two men and a woman. One man was described as white, 25 years old, 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds. He has blue eyes, light brown medium- length hair and was wearing light blue jeans and a white zip-up sweatshirt. The woman was described as in her 20s, 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 120-130 pounds. She has wavy blonde hair and pierced ears. A description of the third suspect was not immediately released. Neighbors told 10TV News that they are starting a block watch group after three other people reported strange knocks on their doors on Friday. A woman, who did not want to be identified, said a man came to her house and claimed to be selling magazines. "The guy said he was going to school to be a police officer and he needed subscriptions to magazines and he needed a lot of votes," the woman said. He asked her if she was home alone and to use her phone inside, Seavert reported. "It's not going to be that simple for them to come in here the next time," a family member said. "The next time anyone that is trying to sell something, forget it. Don't knock because I will call 911." Anyone with information is asked to call Columbus police at 614-645-4545 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-645-8477.
Stay with 10TV News and 10TV.com for more information.
10TV News
10tv.com
Columbus, Ohio
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Madison, Wisconsin
Democrats flexing their muscle in legislature
 April 4, 2009
Democrats flexing their muscle in legislature
By JASON STEIN
jstein@madison.com
608-252-6129
Wisconsin State Journal
SAT., APR 4, 2009 - 10:09 PM
A decade wasn’t too long for Phil Ellenbecker to work for a state law that tightly regulates traveling sales crews peddling magazines door to door.

The Verona man swore that to his daughter, who died along with six others in a March 1999 van crash caused by an unlicensed sales crew driver.

“It’s a fantastic feeling to know that we finally have a law that is going to protect Wisconsin kids and homeowners,” said Ellenbecker, 60, who is still seeking similar federal legislation. “Wisconsin is the only state in the country that has anything even close to this.”

Ellenbecker, environmentalists and advocates for workers and children are among the interest groups seeing better fortunes for the once stymied bills they back, now that Democrats — including many in the Madison area — control the state Legislature. Republicans counter that the majority party is going too far and refusing to accept compromises on these laws that could help businesses and consumers affected by them.

Sen. Randy Hopper, R-Fond du Lac, offered an amendment he said would have kept legitimate companies such as cable television and broadband provider Charter Communications from being affected by the sales crew bill, which was meant to target shadowy, out-of-state companies. His proposal, which would have exempted salespeople who are traveling for only 20 percent of their job, was rejected on a party-line vote.

“My attempt was to support the legislation but not throw in good actors with bad actors,” Hopper said. “There’s no bipartisanship in this building.”

The bill’s author, Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Middleton, said he listened and sought compromises on his proposal for years but was concerned Hopper’s proposal could provide a loophole for less legitimate companies. Erpenbach and Ellenbecker have been working on the bill for nine years and four sessions of the Legislature.

“I was really happy to be in office long enough to see it through,” said Erpenbach, who won re-election twice in the meantime. “We got a clean bill. We got the bill we wanted.”

After Republicans failed to amend the bill, it passed with bipartisan majorities in the Assembly and Senate and was signed by Gov. Jim Doyle on March 26.

Two days later, Ellenbecker and two dozen others gathered to put up seven red balloons and seven white ribbons at a rest stop north of Janesville on Interstate 39-90. On March 25, 1999, a van carrying a magazine sales crew was going 81 mph in the view of a police car when its unlicensed driver, Jeremy Holmes, tried to switch seats with another passenger.

Ellenbecker’s daughter, Malinda Turvey, started with the crew two days earlier and was among the seven killed in the resulting crash, which also permanently injured five.

Ellenbecker, a telecommunications engineer who educated himself on the legislative process, said he accepted the struggle it took to pass the bill.

“When I started this, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. It never is easy to change the law,” he said. “I made a promise to Malinda on her grave.”
By JASON STEIN
jstein@madison.com
608-252-6129
Wisconsin State Journal
madison.com
Madison, Wisconsin
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Austin, Texas
Magazine Salesman Steven Talley Murder Case Solved
 April 4, 2009
Police: Stabbing suspect ID'd
Austin Stateman
COMPILED FROM STAFF REPORTS
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Austin police said they have arrested a suspect in a 2007 stabbing death whom they said they identified through DNA found at the scene, according to an arrest affidavit. Joseph Lee, 42, has been charged with murder in connection with a stabbing in the 6900 block of Blessing Avenue in Northeast Austin, the affidavit said. About 5 a.m. on Feb. 10, 2007, police found a man, later identified as Steven Talley, 27, lying in the street with signs of "obvious trauma," the affidavit said. The Police Department's DNA laboratory made the match last month, the affidavit said, and Lee was arrested on a parole violation charge March 28, according to the affidavit. During an interview with police on Tuesday, Lee told officers he stabbed a man during an altercation that night, the affidavit said. Lee is in the Travis County Jail, and bail has been set at $100,000, court records show.
Austin Stateman
COMPILED FROM STAFF REPORTS
statesman.com
Austin, Texas
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Austin, Texas
Magazine Salesman Steven Talley Murder Case Solved
 April 3, 2009
Police: DNA match provides suspect in 2007 stabbing
News-Journal
Friday, April 3, 2009, 01:08 PM
Austin police say they have arrested a man in connection with a stabbing death in Northeast Austin in 2007, according to an arrest affidavit. Joseph Lee, 42, has been charged with murder after police say his DNA matched that taken from blood at the scene of a stabbing in the 6900 block of Blessing Avenue, the affidavit said. At about 5 a.m. on Feb. 10, 2007, police found a man lying in the street with signs of “obvious trauma,” the affidavit said. He was later identified as Steven Talley, 27, it said. The police department’s DNA laboratory made the DNA match last month, the affidavit said. A computer search found that Lee had an active arrest warrant for a parole violation, police said, and he was arrested on that charge in March 28, according to the affidavit. During an interview with police on Tuesday, Lee told officers that he got into an altercation with a man who hit him in the jaw, which had previously been broken. When police asked what he did after being struck, Lee said, “I stabbed him,” the affidavit said. Lee is in the Travis County Jail, and bail has been set at $100,000, court records show.
News-Journal
news-journal.com
Longview, Texas
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Argenta, Arkansas
Magazine Salesman in the Neighborhood (UPDATE)
 April 2, 2009
Magazine Salesman in the Neighborhood (UPDATE)
Written by Scott Miller
Thursday, April 02 2009
ARGENTANEWS
argentanews.com
Just got the following e-mail from an Argenta resident about a door to door magazine saleman working Willow Street in Argenta.

Just had a young man who identified himself as Antonio come to the door claiming to be taking part in some kind of "communications contest." Supposedly it's to help him become a better communicator and earn money to start a business. Bottom line: It's the old magazine subscription sales push to earn "points" toward some reward (trip to Cancun, he said). Can't speak to this kid's legitimacy, but last time someone I know bought a magazine through one of these deals the subscription never arrived. You might want to post something on the blog; he was a young guy, Asian descent, well-dressed and well-spoken, pushy in a trying-to-be-humorous way ("I was just at the neighbor's house and they sent me over here to have breakfast"). Had cards in plastic protectors but the only ID he offered was what he'd written in the blanks on the cards. These guys are REQUIRED to have a NLR Peddlers License and it should look like this. If they don't have a peddlers license call the police. Often these door to door "salesmen" use the opportunity to get a peek inside your house and see of it is worth coming back and robbing. A legitimate magazine salesman will get a peddlers license and must show it to you upon request.

(UPDATE) Alderwoman Ross reports a different person with the same sales pitch was working Sherwood recently and her checks with the City revealed this group does NOT have a NLR peddlers license. She has notified NLRPD to be on lookout for them, but if you see them, call NLRPD immediately and make sure you give a good description.
Written by Scott Miller
ARGENTANEWS
argentanews.com
Argenta, Arkansas
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A Door-to-Door Magazine Salesman Accused of Rape & Arson Charges
 April 2, 2009
A Door-to-Door Magazine Salesman Accused of Rape & Arson Charges Dr. Ranu Sinha
Breaking Barriers
womenforce.net
Thursday, April 2, 2009
This post is a warning to all my readers to be very careful of the door-to-door sales people. Please do not let them inside your houses. In a recent case, a 23 year-old suspect Daniel Deshawn Neal of Chicago was arrested for raping and burning a 78 year-old woman. He was working as a door-to door salesman for a magazine. This elderly woman lived in Grand Prairie, Texas. Thi