Anyone else have this "scam" going throughout their neighborhood? (long)

About a year ago I had this "kid" approach me (I was taking a walk 9 mths preggo with my then 18month old son ) and start going into this long story about how he is taking a public speaking class because he is nervous talking to people and he has to practice speaking to people, making eye contact, etc. He told me his class was having a contest to sell the most magazines and it could win him a trip. He showed me his license and a "certificate" stating that he was from this program. I said I am walking with no money on me, I was not interested. He said he would "follow me" to my house..I was right near the firehouse and there were some guys standing outside (I didn't know any of them) so I said "No, I am going to see my husband right over there...I am not interested..sorry" because I felt nervous and he left. Longer story short, I have had 4 different people try a similar thing at my home..all @ 20 years old. The latest being a guy yesterday who tried to say he was "raising money for college" with his "certificate" that he promptly pulled out and put away quickly, which I replied.." I got what was called a job to raise money and shouldn't you be at school then?" and he went into some sob story and I said "you are not the first person to try this.." and He said "I've been hearing a lot of that today.." and walked away. Should I report this or just ignore it?

Re: Anyone else have this "scam" going throughout their neighborhood? (long)

I think the magazines are legitimate it's the stories that they telling that are made up....

They came to my neighbors house and she ordered magazines and she got them...I didnt answer the door when they came to my house.

Re: Anyone else have this "scam" going throughout their neighborhood? (long)

I heard someone give that exact speech on the subway a few years ago!

Re: Anyone else have this "scam" going throughout their neighborhood? (long)

Funny, I experience this as well. The kid came to the house. He was selling candles and he also showed a picture of the non profit agency that he was there for delinquency?? I did not buy anything, I felt bad. However, the story did not sound right. if a juvenile is in placement for delinquency, he wouldn't be out and about selling things door to door. Next time, they come around I am going to write down the agency's name and look into it.

Re: Anyone else have this "scam" going throughout their neighborhood? (long)

omg thats so funny---this company must train the kids to say this for YEARS.

when i was living in asheville, nc -- back in 1999 i had the EXACT SAME THING presented to me. some kid knocked on my door, and said almost word for word what you typed...about public speaking, needing to raise money for magazines, etc. this must be a gimmic that they have been making the kids do for a decade now!

Re: Anyone else have this "scam" going throughout their neighborhood? (long)

I had the same issue 3 years ago.. Sammmmeeee story. The magazines are legit though, from what I understand. I know 2 neighbors fell for it & got their magazines, waayyyyy overpriced though- I'm not sure how that worked

Re: Anyone else have this "scam" going throughout their neighborhood? (long)

I'm mean. I turn anyone who shows up to my door canvassing or selling anything anywhere...

Re: Anyone else have this "scam" going throughout their neighborhood? (long)

That happened to me too, about a year ago...this kid came to my door. Same age as you said w/ the magazines.

Re: Anyone else have this "scam" going throughout their neighborhood? (long)

I had a kid approach me last night in my driveway with a container of items (candy, candles, etc.) wanting me to buy something to help fund his college education. I told him to get lost.

Re: Anyone else have this "scam" going throughout their neighborhood? (long)

We've had people come to my house but I told them I don't do door-to-door solicitations for magazines, college funds or anything else.

Short of a girl scout that I know personally, everyone is SOL.

Re: Anyone else have this "scam" going throughout their neighborhood? (long)

Re: Anyone else have this "scam" going throughout their neighborhood? (long)

In my town, they are really tough on it and everyone calls them in to the Police (Our town has its own PD). If it happened to me, I'd call and let them know that they were in my neighborhood.

Re: Anyone else have this "scam" going throughout their neighborhood? (long)

This happened to me years ago.

Re: Anyone else have this "scam" going throughout their neighborhood? (long)

We get this ALL the time. Theya re usually carrying a rubbermaid container filled with chocolates and crappy candy. We call them the "chocolate boys" because they are always pushing this chocolate you can get at the dollar store. We stopped answering the door to them.

Re: Anyone else have this "scam" going throughout their neighborhood? (long)

I dont think its a scam, I had a young girl college girl knock on my door over the summer she was selling books to raise money for her college education, I heard her out and did purchase 100 worth of childrens books from southwestern.
she was from another state and they house students in different states to raise money for th eir college education.
they go through a training class, self defense class too.

Re: Anyone else have this "scam" going throughout their neighborhood? (long)

I dont open the door for these people.... they could be dressed as nune and im not opening the door. I just dont trust anyone, especially knocking on my door who i dont know.

Re: Anyone else have this "scam" going throughout their neighborhood? (long)

Posted by sam

We get this ALL the time. Theya re usually carrying a rubbermaid container filled with chocolates and crappy candy. We call them the "chocolate boys" because they are always pushing this chocolate you can get at the dollar store. We stopped answering the door to them.

Re: Anyone else have this "scam" going throughout their neighborhood? (long)

last year someone came to our door, same story, except they could win a trip to Europe

Re: Anyone else have this "scam" going throughout their neighborhood? (long)

Re: Anyone else have this "scam" going throughout their neighborhood? (long)

Long story short...I had one of those guys knock on my door a couple of years ago. I foolishly opened the door, listened to his "sob story" and agreed to order a couple of mags just to get him to leave me alone. When he told me my total was something like $600, I laughed and asked if he was kidding. He made some joke and said no he wasn't, then showed me the bill he had written up (I believe I agreed to 3 mags at 2 to 3 yrs each, but no way in hell would the cost be equal to 600.) I eventually looked up the company he was working for. It was a legitimate company based in Michigan or Missouri (one of those states), but it's for profit and there were a lot of complaints about this scam of a company. Unfortunately I can't recall the name of it right now.

In any event...they're scam artists in my book.

Re: Anyone else have this "scam" going throughout their neighborhood? (long)

Re: Anyone else have this "scam" going throughout their neighborhood? (long)

That happened to me. I opened my door and the guy actually let himself IN to my house. I FREAKED!!!!!!!!! When I told him I didn't want to buy anything he got so mad I was freaked

Re: Anyone else have this "scam" going throughout their neighborhood? (long)

A kid did that one day and my dh was talking to him. He actually asked him to use his cellphone to call his ride. My dh allowed him and after the ride came, we went out and were right behind him and the plates were from out of state, think NC.

Re: Anyone else have this "scam" going throughout their neighborhood? (long)

I don't buy from door to door salespeople either. Once, I went to walk my dog in the dark and there was a boy who looked about 11 by himself sitting on his rubbermaid container on the side of the road. When I walked near him, he said, "Whoa! You scared me!" I felt bad for him. I let him call his ride with my cell phone. Shame on this company to send these children out alone and have them wait in the dark.

*I just looked up child labor laws in NY on the DOL website:

Minors 11 years of age or older may work outside school hours as newspaper carriers to deliver, or sell and deliver newspapers, shopping papers, or periodicals to homes or business places. Minors 14 years of age and older may be engaged in street trades work, i.e. selling newspapers or periodicals on streets or public places.*
*(Under Federal law a 14 year age minimum is required for delivery of periodicals and similar items.)