Eugene residents: Beware of fraudulent door-to-door “magazine” sellers; Learn the latest scam and helpful tips

The Eugene Police Department is receiving reports of fraudulent activity regarding door-to-door magazine sales.

Most recently, a victim reported that college-age individuals came to the door and were selling magazine subscriptions. While pushing for a “sale,” the suspects also offered to send the magazines to the Troops in Iraq should the victim not personally want the subscription, but still wish to help with their cause. In addition, the victim was told that a percentage of the proceeds would fund a scholarship program for the BBC in London, England. The victim agreed and wrote a check to the alleged company.

It was later discovered that the victim’s check was altered and deposited for cash.

The scammers were last seen driving a blue, late 90s Chevy Suburban.

Scams are cyclical in nature. Scammers usually enter an area, ‘fish it out’ and move on to fresh territory. Unfortunately, scammers, who can be locals or traveling criminals, hurt all the legitimate charities, organizations and businesses that also knock on doors of willing residents.

Tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud:

• You have a right to say ‘no,’ and tell the person leave if you don’t wish to participate; you don’t have to answer any questions either.
• You don’t even have to open the door. Tell the visitor – through the closed door – that you’re not interested. Or, if you are interested, tell the visitor to leave a business card or information under your door mat.
• If you choose to engage one-one-one with the sellers and you are interested in giving, get more information and contact the organization on your own. For instance, if the sales do benefit a charity, the person approaching you should supply you with the name of the charity and the name of the program for which they are raising funds. Then, you can contact the charity during working hours to find out if the program is legitimate. The charity can arrange further participation if you are willing to give.
• Beware of high pressure techniques, such as the need to give on the spot.
• Don’t pay up front. Most legitimate organizations or businesses, including magazine sales, will only ask you to pay upon receipt of the items ordered.
• If you have already paid for an item and feel concerned about it, monitor your bank account closely for any suspicious activity and contact police if you see anything.
• The person knocking on your door should be willing to have you contact other sources to verify the program’s legitimacy.
• DO NOT invite a stranger inside your home. Conduct all business in a safe place, in view of passersby and neighbors.
• Legitimate forms, paperwork and receipts should always be provided.

Tagged as: door-to-door sales, Eugene Oregon, Eugene Police, fraud, Helpful Tips, magazine subscriptions, victim