Did I just avoid a door to door scammer?

[-American-]

Just a few minutes ago at 8:30 pm a teenage kid came to my door. I've never seen this kid in the small neighborhood I live in, yet he claims he's so and so and his mom walks the two yellow labs around the block..(haven't seen either of them either.)

He then feeds me this story about how his highschool soccer team is trying to save up money for a trip to London. The catch I would have to buy magazines from him, these magazines I buy would be sent to the troops overseas. "Two magazines costs $98.00". I said sorry I can't afford that, and he says "everybody is doing it." "How about I put you down for one magazine, it's $48.00." His story was confusing. The other catch he would need the check for the money right then and there. I told him sorry can't afford it, and he literaly left with a sad pout.

Anyone else come across something like this?

[sgdp]

Some kid from another state was trying to sell me magazines, but they weren't that expensive. Something about getting a scholarship...?

I did give $5 to the girls who came around for their volleyball team.

[sgdp]

^^ Yup! That was it! Glad I didn't buy it.

[-American-]

http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10320829

Yes- this is a scam. It's gotten to the point that I just don't open the door for anybody unless I know them or they are wearing a UPS uniform.

Thanks for the link, that link described EXACTLY what just happend.

[psyko kat]

I sometimes got guys, in a pick-up truck hauling a freezer in the bed, /trying to sell steaks, and different cuts of meat.

[Talk2Bill]

it is a horrible scam and the real victims are the kids. one came to my door and i started asking him questions about how things were going and he was surprised how much i knew. I told him I would not buy anything but I gave him my phone (before I had a cell phone) and told him to call his mom (long distance). He talked for a while then got scared and left. I used redial and called his mom back and told her who I was and that her son was being scammed that he would NEVER earn what he was being promised and that at some point he would just be left stranded in some city with nothing. I offered to go find him and take him to the air port if she wanted to buy him a ticket. She said 'no thanks.'

[Talk2Bill]

I sometimes got guys, in a pick-up truck hauling a freezer in the bed, /trying to sell steaks, and different cuts of meat.

next time they come by do the math real quick. one guy was selling steaks, chicken, and hamburgers and they ended up being about $12 a pound.

[Talk2Bill]

Call me crazy, but buying meat off the back of a truck might be a bad idea.:D

i do not know about beef but i hear the chicken is salmonelicious!

[psyko kat]

I never bought any meat from them, but I did ask to see their 'permit'/
when they couldn't show me one/ I reported them to the police....// after they left, of course... I'm good friends with all the officers...

[Rockominal]

I wish the Girl Scouts would come to my door with those boxes of truffle cookies. Not necessarily the chocolate ones but the other regular ones. I remember catching the Girl Scouts or Brownies at either Bloomington, Indiana at Kroger and/or here near this swamp where I live near New Orleans. I came up to her all excited and went "do you have any of those truffle cookies left!? I'll take at least 2 boxes!" I wish I had a picture of the cute look on her face of being suprised at my enthusiasm. She even went over to her friend and looked through her inventory. Those cookies are excellent.

[sgdp]

I am fond of the lemon cookies. Mmmmmmmm.

[gdoane]

I wish the Girl Scouts would come to my door with those boxes of truffle cookies. Not necessarily the chocolate ones but the other regular ones. I remember catching the Girl Scouts or Brownies at either Bloomington, Indiana at Kroger and/or here near this swamp where I live near New Orleans. I came up to her all excited and went "do you have any of those truffle cookies left!? I'll take at least 2 boxes!" I wish I had a picture of the cute look on her face of being suprised at my enthusiasm. She even went over to her friend and looked through her inventory. Those cookies are excellent.

I think they stopped sending little girls to doors when the addresses of sex offenders started getting published. People saw how many creeps were behind those doors and rethought the wisdom of sending kids to go knock on them.

Heck, even Trick or Treating at Halloween is all but dead. There's no trusting strangers anymore. Hospitals even X-ray candy, which I don't think is a good idea.

Kid: "Hey Mom, look, I got a glow-stick!"
Mom: "That was a Tootsie Roll, dear."

Then there's the other way around that I was just reading in today's Arizona Republic.

http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/06/01/20090601abrk-armedrobberies0601-ON.html

40 home robberies, just tied to one gang. I ain't opening my door for strangers no more and especially not for kids because SEVEN of the kids in the gang were 18 and under.

The kids are getting more dangerous than the adults.

[hatman]

I can't vouch for your area, but I stuck a "No Solicitation" sticker on my front door.
It's worked like a charm.
Works for every group except Jehovah's Witnesses.

[gdoane]

I can't vouch for your area, but I stuck a "No Solicitation" sticker on my front door.
It's worked like a charm.
Works for every group except Jehovah's Witnesses.

My area would need the sign in several languages. It's like half the telemarketers calling, they no speak the English.

We're really going to see massive scams come next year. With the Census coming up, the scammers are going to be gearing up for the cash crop taking advantage of people who actually think they have to cooperate fully with any slimeball who says he's "taking a census".

Not me. Name, rank, and serial number. Anything more is violating the Geneva Conventions and cannot be asked.

[khigh]

I am fond of the lemon cookies. Mmmmmmmm.

I bought 12 boxes of Thin Mints this year. Was supposed to send 6 boxes to my husband in Iraq, but somehow 2 boxes got lost on the way to the post office. :eek:

[sgdp]

I bought 12 boxes of Thin Mints this year. Was supposed to send 6 boxes to my husband in Iraq, but somehow 2 boxes got lost on the way to the post office. :eek:

"Somehow". ;)

[Gunslinger]

I don't get much solicitation at my home and I like it that way. You can't trust people no-a-days and I never answer my front door without a firearm on me.

I've seen too many home invasions to trust a random door knock.

In short, not only is the child getting scammed through a large company pyramid scheme, but he's also putting himself in a dangerous situation knocking on random peoples doors trying to sell a product aggressively.

[khigh]

I don't get much solicitation at my home and I like it that way. You can't trust people no-a-days and I never answer my front door without a firearm on me.

I've seen too many home invasions to trust a random door knock.

In short, not only is the child getting scammed through a large company pyramid scheme, but he's also putting himself in a dangerous situation knocking on random peoples doors trying to sell a product aggressively.

I haven't gotten any solicitations at home since moving on base. They have strict rules against it and I like it that way.

[LouC]

Just a few minutes ago at 8:30 pm a teenage kid came to my door. I've never seen this kid in the small neighborhood I live in, yet he claims he's so and so and his mom walks the two yellow labs around the block..(haven't seen either of them either.)

He then feeds me this story about how his highschool soccer team is trying to save up money for a trip to London. The catch I would have to buy magazines from him, these magazines I buy would be sent to the troops overseas. "Two magazines costs $98.00". I said sorry I can't afford that, and he says "everybody is doing it." "How about I put you down for one magazine, it's $48.00." His story was confusing. The other catch he would need the check for the money right then and there. I told him sorry can't afford it, and he literaly left with a sad pout.

Anyone else come across something like this?

That does sound like a real scam, did you call the general police number to ask if they had knowledge of such sales going on in your neighborhood or town?

We got the "magazine sales for a class trip" kids in Texas when I lived in the real world.

If someone came to my door that I didn't know and they were obviously trying to sell me goods or save my soul they got the quick "Not interested" slam of the door.

Works every time.

Sometimes if I spotted them coming up the sidewalk I wouldn't even answer the door.

My daughter thought I was rude.

[stoked]

The magazine people are scammers, I was practically assaulted by one once.

[Jimd1701]

That's the easiest and best thing to do. If you see them approaching the door, or look through the peephole and don't recognize them, don't even answer the door.

[notluzn]

I like car washes with hot chicks. LOL. Ok I through in a WUT.

[psyko kat]

I can't vouch for your area, but I stuck a "No Solicitation" sticker on my front door.
It's worked like a charm.
Works for every group except Jehovah's Witnesses.

I did that at one place where I used to live,: I asked them if they could read, as I pointed to the sign.//they gave me a strange look, and asked if they could leave some of their papers for me. ?//
I said 'sure, I have to reline my bird cage',
They left in a big hurry..:D

[CaptC]

I can't vouch for your area, but I stuck a "No Solicitation" sticker on my front door.
It's worked like a charm.
Works for every group except Jehovah's Witnesses.The last time I got Jehovah's Witnesses at my door, I raised my arms and face to the sky and said:"Allah be praised, more infidels to convert!" Needless to say when I looked down, they were gone.:angel:

[Alaric]

We're really going to see massive scams come next year. With the Census coming up, the scammers are going to be gearing up for the cash crop taking advantage of people who actually think they have to cooperate fully with any slimeball who says he's "taking a census".

Not me. Name, rank, and serial number. Anything more is violating the Geneva Conventions and cannot be asked.

My wife works for the Census. There is a legit concern about census related scams. Any Census worker will have two things that you can use to tell if they are legit.

First, they will wear a US Government ID badge with their photograph. Its a printed plastic card, not a laminated paper card. If it looks like it came out of a home ink jet printer somewhere then it probably did. Second, and this is harder to fake, they will be carrying a hand held computer about 5" x 10" x 2" with a color touch screen and a built in GPS. The computer is thumb printed to legit census workers and will not function for anyone else. It will prominently show Property of US Government on the end of it. If they have both then co-operate. If you refuse, they may come back with a constable to verify who they are. Cooperation with the census is as much a part of our democratic process as voting is, because the census determines representation. Any info you give a census worker cannot be shared by law with any other government agency for 79 years. But if they don't look legit then don't divulge your information. Census workers will not be asking for social security numbers so beware of anyone who asks for that.

[Alaric]

The last time I got Jehovah's Witnesses at my door, I raised my arms and face to the sky and said:"Allah be praised, more infidels to convert!" Needless to say when I looked down, they were gone.

I don't see any reason to mistreat them or make fun of them. I politely and firmly refuse their literature and their message, I don't invite them in, but I usually ask them if they are thirsty and if they are I offer them a glass of cold water. Sometimes they are, sometimes they aren't. There is never a good reason to not be cordial to a missionary - even if you think they are mistaken.

[Apatriot]

Just a few minutes ago at 8:30 pm a teenage kid came to my door. I've never seen this kid in the small neighborhood I live in, yet he claims he's so and so and his mom walks the two yellow labs around the block..(haven't seen either of them either.)

He then feeds me this story about how his highschool soccer team is trying to save up money for a trip to London. The catch I would have to buy magazines from him, these magazines I buy would be sent to the troops overseas. "Two magazines costs $98.00". I said sorry I can't afford that, and he says "everybody is doing it." "How about I put you down for one magazine, it's $48.00." His story was confusing. The other catch he would need the check for the money right then and there. I told him sorry can't afford it, and he literaly left with a sad pout.

Anyone else come across something like this?

I saw something about something like this on 20/20 etc. The kids live in semi-slavery to the company. What happens is that they get transported from city to city, to searchfor neighborhoods/municipalities that allow soliciting. They make up some scholarship story, and sell over-priced magazines. They work on commission, and have to repay the company for room/board and transportation, so it's hard for them to get ahead.

[Apatriot]

Heck, even Trick or Treating at Halloween is all but dead. There's no trusting strangers anymore. Hospitals even X-ray candy, which I don't think is a good idea.

Just an urban myth gone wild. I read an investigation of tainted halloween candy. Only a few cases were found, all were attributed to the parents of the poisoned children.

[Rockominal]

My wife works for the Census. There is a legit concern about census related scams. Any Census worker will have two things that you can use to tell if they are legit.

First, they will wear a US Government ID badge with their photograph. Its a printed plastic card, not a laminated paper card. If it looks like it came out of a home ink jet printer somewhere then it probably did. Second, and this is harder to fake, they will be carrying a hand held computer about 5" x 10" x 2" with a color touch screen and a built in GPS. The computer is thumb printed to legit census workers and will not function for anyone else. It will prominently show Property of US Government on the end of it.

Thanks for posting this. I haven't seen or heard anything like this anywhere. Very informative.

[Rockominal]

I bought 12 boxes of Thin Mints this year. Was supposed to send 6 boxes to my husband in Iraq, but somehow 2 boxes got lost on the way to the post office. :eek:

Do you do any modeling on the side and such, khigh?

[khigh]

Do you do any modeling on the side and such, khigh?

Haha, not here in Oklahoma. Though, I am trying to gain weight. I have hyper-thyroidism, which means my thyroid works over time. I'm 5'7" and have never gotten above 105 pounds except when I was pregnant, I got up to 120. I can eat a lot and not gain an ounce. 2 boxes of thin mints aren't anything.

[Rockominal]

I think they stopped sending little girls to doors when the addresses of sex offenders started getting published. People saw how many creeps were behind those doors and rethought the wisdom of sending kids to go knock on them.

When I first got an apartment, the Brownies and sometimes the Girl Scouts did come to my door, and I pretty much took it for granted; then. Perhaps sometimes I was busy or something at the time. Usually I would just get something gratuitously. Then a couple Brownies sold those cookies I was talking about and those things were better than anything I ever got out of a store. Like you said, it just dwindled away until later, the time I saw those two girls at Kroger and I still wish I had a picture of them trying to indulge my enthusiasm.
A couple years ago a security guard said something to me I still remember. Not to be depressing or anything, it just comes to mind. He asked " why do some people ask when the world is going to end?" I was confused right off the bat on that one. He went on to say, "..because it's already ending." In regards to your post, it appears that his perspective is clear.

[Rockominal]

2 boxes of thin mints aren't anything.

You're right! Alot of times candy doesn't do anything period. People talk about the cake and cookies I eat and "why don't you gain weight?" I say I'm gonna have to spend more money than that at the store to do that. Full meals and regularly, like I had in the Navy. Not some condiments here and there.
As far as modeling, here's a thought. Just maybe some plain glasses and you could send your picture to Eyemaster's or publications like that where you don't have to travel. Eyemaster's in this town is still going after the hurricane, but there were more models it seemed like than now.

[gdoane]

My wife works for the Census. There is a legit concern about census related scams. Any Census worker will have two things that you can use to tell if they are legit.

Maybe you can use them, but I don't know what they look like.


First, they will wear a US Government ID badge with their photograph. Its a printed plastic card, not a laminated paper card. If it looks like it came out of a home ink jet printer somewhere then it probably did.

Give me a week and I'll have a plastic card proclaiming that I'm Charles Lindbergh. I live in the ID theft capital of the USA and the kidnapping capital of the USA.


Second, and this is harder to fake, they will be carrying a hand held computer about 5" x 10" x 2" with a color touch screen and a built in GPS.

That's crummier than my iPod.

That's seriously supposed to be proof? They have a handheld Zuno MP3 player and a crummy plastic lithographed card?

The whole plan is silly. It's going to get people killed and kidnapped and for no good reason because everyone in the USA is counted by the IRS every year anyway.

The computer is thumb printed to legit census workers and will not function for anyone else. It will prominently show Property of US Government on the end of it.

You've got to be kidding. I'm supposed to be convinced because a computer in the possession of the scammer actually works for the scammer's own thumbprint?

I don't know what the ID is supposed to look like.

I don't know what the handheld PC is supposed to look like.

So the proof isn't proof and the ID isn't ID.


If they have both then co-operate. If you refuse, they may come back with a constable to verify who they are.

In my case, the constable would probably know who I am too so that's a moot point. The constables I know wouldn't waste their time, they'd just call me.

My point is this:

How is an ID supposed to be valid when nobody knows what it looks like? And how is a PC supposed to be additional proof with a thumbprint when the person providing the proof says "see? my PC loves me!??"


Cooperation with the census is as much a part of our democratic process as voting is, because the census determines representation.

It's a collection of how many people live where. The IRS does that already.

It's a silly duplication of efforts for no good reason. If the left hand would just talk to the right hand once in a while we wouldn't need a census.

Any info you give a census worker cannot be shared by law with any other government agency for 79 years.

Yeah, right. I've got a letter from the VA apologizing that they lost a laptop hard drive with all of my personal information on it because I served my country and the wonderful public servant working from home got burglarized. They did offer a free year of credit monitoring. Woo-hoo.

Any time information is collected it's susceptible to theft, and actually a valuable target thereof.

But if they don't look legit then don't divulge your information. Census workers will not be asking for social security numbers so beware of anyone who asks for that.

How am I supposed to know they look legit? A piece of litho plastic ID card and a Zuno with thumbprint recognition? Are you kidding me?

Terrorists have boarded planes and hijacked them with better ID than that.

[JenyEliza]

I don't see any reason to mistreat them or make fun of them. I politely and firmly refuse their literature and their message, I don't invite them in, but I usually ask them if they are thirsty and if they are I offer them a glass of cold water. Sometimes they are, sometimes they aren't. There is never a good reason to not be cordial to a missionary - even if you think they are mistaken.

We've lived in our house 12 years next month. The *same* group of little old ladies from the JW have come to our house every Saturday since we closed the sale. Literally, *Every* Saturday, rain or shine. They were just here this past Saturday, but I was at the grocery store and my son didn't answer the door.

Sometimes I answer the door and take their magazine and chit-chat on the porch with them. Sometimes I don't answer the door. And sometimes I'm not home and my kids *never* answer the door whether I'm here or not.

They're quite nice little old ladies, but you would think after 12 years they'd have given up the effort to convert us. I tell them every time that we're Catholic and quite happy with our chosen faith. Still they come every Saturday--the past 12 years. 624 times.

Oh well.....

*shrug*

[JenyEliza]

ps. We've had the magazine scam visit us several times. Never seen the kids doing the scamming in my life--in spite of claims they live in the neighborhood.

I don't buy stuff from people who go door to door. Ever.

[ArmyMAJretired]

I sometimes got guys, in a pick-up truck hauling a freezer in the bed, /trying to sell steaks, and different cuts of meat.

Soylet Green is PEOPLE!

[CMike11]

I have a door to door company. We don't do magazines. There is only one thing we sell.

I did door to door sales for a long time in the field.

I do believe that the mag people probably did make up the story about scholorships. :naughty: They are very pressured to sell. They should not lie though.

That said, I strongly disagree with being rude to them.

They often are working long hours in all weather. There is a a lot rejection with people being rude to them.

Imagine it was your son doing this to make money. Would you want him treated so poorly? I am sure there are honest ones, and there are dishonest ones, like in any job.

If you are not interested, simply say no thank you. In fact, maybe consider them offering the a drink. They are people too.

[Alaric]

If the left hand would just talk to the right hand once in a while we wouldn't need a census.

Well start a drive to amend the constitution then, because until there is an amendment we will have a census.